An ancient kpelie mask, a mask from the male society of Poro. Timothy Garrard (in Arts de la Côte d'Ivoire, 1993, p.87) places early in the stylistic evolution of Senufo masks those whose appendages extend only slightly beyond the chin line, as is clearly the case here. This mask is very old indeed, but Timothy Garrard's remark cannot be taken as a general rule and must apply to certain circles. Sénoufo, Ivory Coast Hardwood, wear and slight cracks from age, very fine erosion from age and very fine patina from use. Height: 24cm Provenance: Jean Paul Delcourt, Abidjan Jean Paul Delcourt, Abidjan Enchères Rive Gauche, Paris, September 8, 2001, no. 146 Stéphane Kurc Collection, Paris