Senufo Spitfire African Wall Mask in Hand Carved Wood, "Senufo Spitfire"

Eva Asantewa Amakye captures the beautiful artistry of the Senufo people as she replicates their impressive spitfire mask. Carved by hand of sese wood, the dark brown wall mask features red and weathered white accents. It has long horns, round huge eyes, and widely opened mouth showing fierce teeth when looked at sideways.

From the Senufo people of Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, this style of large masks are composites of several animals such as antelopes, buffaloes, crocodiles, warthogs, hornbills, chameleons and humans to symbolize power and to recall important myths. They were called Kponungo ("funeral head masks") but outsiders referred to them as "Spitfire" is used by outsiders and they were used for protection ceremonies.