Cleveland Museum of Art

Helmet Mask

Date

early to mid-1900s

Medium

Wood, upholstery studs, and colorant

Culture

Africa, West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo-style carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This type of helmet was worn in rituals demonstrating a boy’s transition from one age group to the next, prior to his actual initiation into the secret Poro society. The pre-initiates were viewed as unknowing and anxious oxen, so the horns on such helmets may refer to those of horned cattle. The female figure alludes to women’s supernatural powers, which assure the welfare of Poro members. Cowrie shells, feathers, and other accessories once decorated this helmet.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.