A Senufo double head funeral mask, This type of Senufo mask, called ‘Waniugo’, consists of a two-headed hybrid creature with two open mouths and, on the side, the protruding tusks of a wart hog, decorated with masks and surmounted by a lizzard and a panther with an animal in his mouth; greyish patina, traces of use, pierced through at the rim for a former raffia costume.

‘Waniugo masks’ are worn most often at night as part of funeral ceremonies. They dispel evil spirits, however the Senufo believe the masks themselves are dangerous as they are supposed to be able to cause thunder and lightening. During the night-time performances a glowing piece of coal used to be placed into one of the mouths of the crocodile. As a result, the masked dancers sprayed an impressive shower of glowing sparks into the dark night. For this reason, these ‘Waniugo masks’ are also known as ‘fire spitter masks’.

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Height: 63 cm
Weight: 2,2 kg (incl. stand)