Mask, first half of 20th century
Senufoexpand_more
Wood, pigment, metalexpand_more
Gift of Walker Art Center and the T.B. Walker Foundation, 2006expand_more 2006.36.3
Not on Viewexpand_more
This mask is a “firespitter.” The wearer places dried grasses and glowing chips of wood in the mouth and blows on them, usually in nighttime performances when the effect is most dramatic. Get closer to the mask and you’ll see an assortment of devouring jaws, dagger-like tusks, and multiple horns. The mask is meant to evoke the terror of sorcery while also conveying the kind of supernatural warfare it takes to protect the community from ill-intentioned people.
Details
- Title
- Mask
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2006.36.3
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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