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How were Senufo Poro masks used in initiation and funeral ceremonies?
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African art
Raffia-fiber cloth, made by the Kuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, mid-20th century; in the Honolulu Academy of Arts.
Among the Senufo people, masks associated with the Poro society play a vital role in both initiation rites and funeral ceremonies.1
- Initiation: Masks are used to instruct young men and encode the knowledge of the Poro society. Kponyugu masks, which feature composite animal iconography, reference the origin of the world, important legends, and the obligations owed to ancestors and nature spirits. Kpelie masks, characterized by delicate human features, represent female spirits and serve to transmit Poro teachings to the initiates.1
- Funerals: Both kponyugu and kpelie masks are performed at funerals. In this context, their role is to assist and encourage the soul of the deceased to successfully transition into the ancestral realm.1
These masks are central to maintaining the continuity of Senufo religious and historical traditions, serving as essential tools for both the education of the living and the spiritual guidance of the dead.1