Mask

Kpelié mask from the Senufo people, Mali or Côte d'Ivoire. The elongated human face is rendered with an almost graphic precision, enhanced by a beautiful glossy patina. The brow ridge, the slender nose, the small pouting mouth, the slit eyes, and the carved scarification marks adorning the cheeks and forehead, together with the ram's horns surmounting the mask and the projecting elements flanking the face, possibly representing the hairstyle, form a composition that is both varied and orderly, following a coherent and harmonious design enlivened by subtle asymmetries. The work is part of the Bassani Collection (inv. AFR 00024 2513A).

Photo: Paolo Vandrasch, Milano; Giuliano Spagnul, Milano; Vivi Papi, Varese.

Courtesy MUDEC.