A fantastically carved helmet mask (Kponyugo) with meaty tongue and teeth in a show of wild zoomorphic ferocity, featuring a blend of Crocodile, Warthog and Antelope. Carved by the Senufo people, Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Early 20th century
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The masks are often worn during funerals or other ceremonies, such as youth initiation or to scare off malevolent spirits, with cloth concealing the identity of the wearer. They incorporate different animals and can be termed 'composite.' Known as 'Kponyugo' the helmet mask is meant to foster uncertainty and apprehension in the viewer, the open jaws and sharp teeth ready to devour its prey, the many powerful animal attributes endowing the headpiece with authority and bestial prowess.
It is said that these ferocious headpieces took the name 'firespitter' from an early European visitor to the Senufo who witnessed a nocturnal performance where hot coals were placed within the open snout of a mask. Once the dancing began, sparks proceeded to fly from the mask in dramatic fashion.