the meaning of masabo    welcome to west africa    quick notes about côte d'ivoire    about fana soro   
about the senoufo people    about traditional music    about traditional dance    about masks   
about the balafon    about the instruments    about oral traditions    about textiles and costumes   
school performance repertoire    masks - music & dance    learning activities    learning links   

The masks and figures made by the Senoufo people are used in ceremonies held to honour village life. Senoufo masks are highly stylized - the most famous is the "fire spitter" helmet mask, which is a combination of the antelope, wart hog, and hyena. His Senoufo name is &"Wohdec." Another is the wart hog mask, made to get rid of evil spirits. Hornbill figures, or "Cheercloh" in Senoufo, in a variety of sizes and styles, are important because hornbill was the mythological founder of the Senoufo people and a symbol of fertility.

One figure in particular has a long, hooked beak touching a protruding stomach, symbolizing the continuation of life to future generations. Hornbills are considered admirable because they mate for life and share in the raising of the young. The figures are worn on the head during dances and processions.

Dance masks are used in village masquerades at the end of harvest festivities. Totemic masks, such as the elephant mask, representing the totem of its wearer, appear first. The Gu mask, representing a beautiful woman, is a principal mask in the masquerade. Portrait masks are the last to be seen. They are portraits of individuals representing an ideal value. An example is a face with eyes downcast and lips closed, which shows respect and composure.

To Print Study Guide Click Here

BACK TO TOP