Ornament

Item number 2960/31 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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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.