Painted Zoomorphic Face Mask

Origin: Djimini, Ivory Coast
Composition: wood, paint, vegetable fiber, twine

The Djimini are an ethnic group of the Voltaic cluster of peoples in the Ivory Coast. Their language is closely related to that of the neighboring Senufo, and their homeland is south of the Senufos, between the Comoé and Nzi Rivers. Today, most Djimini are small farmers, raising a variety of crops (Ref: Olson, "Africa: An Ethnohistorical Dictionary").

Djimini masks are strikingly similar to Ligbi and Bolon masks, and also share many similarities with Senufo masks - the horned superstructure, downcast eyes, and facial scarifications being the most common thread between the four groups.

This mask shows significant signs of age and use. The mouthpiece, made of twine is intact, and also holds the raffia to the mask. There is evidence that this mask has been repainted many times, which further indicates its authenticity. Field collected by SUJARO in Burkina Faso in 2007.

Please contact us to inquire about this piece at (415) 362-6601 or info@sujaro.com.