Ornament Item Number: 2960/31 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large gold coloured portrait ring. The ring itself is squared, large, with a join line running horizontally through the metal and visible on the interior as well as the exterior. To the front of the ring is welded a face, slightly convex; imitating a Senufo mask. The snout is square, with a slightly open mouth at the bottom. The nose is wide and protrudes. Eyes are protruding circles, closed. The head is rounded, and arching above it are two long thin curving horns that almost touch, each of which has incised horizontal lines on the front.
History Of Use
Senufo masks, the main component of the ring, are used in the rights of the Poro society. Masks are used for communication between the dead and the living, and educate young men in society traditions and responsibilities that are crucial for coming of age. The main focus is to worship their ancestors, such as the Kolotyolo, the “Ancient Mother”. She is approached by lesser gods because of her divine power.
Narrative
Purchased by the donor from a gallery in Montreal.
Item History
- Made in Cote d'Ivoire ? or Mali ? between 1800 and 1900
- Owned by Robert Cazelais and Nicole Lachapelle before April 24, 2012
- Received from Robert Cazelais (Donor) on April 24, 2012
What
- Name
- Ornament
- Identification Number
- 2960/31
- Type of Item
- ornament
- Material
- bronze metal
- Overall
- height 7.7 cm, width 5.4 cm, depth 3.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Senufo ?
- Previous Owner
- Robert Cazelais and Nicole Lachapelle
- Received from
- Robert Cazelais (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Cote d'Ivoire ? or Mali ?
When
- Creation Date
- between 1800 and 1900
- Ownership Date
- before April 24, 2012
- Acquisition Date
- on April 24, 2012
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2960/0031