This is an exceptional matched pair of mid-century West African Senufo Kpelie masks, acquired and documented in December 1978. These are not modern mass-produced replicas, but high-quality artisanal pieces carved from solid hardwood with a beautiful warm patina.
Historical Significance & Provenance:Maker/Importer: Signed \"Stimmel\" on the reverse, identifying them as part of a curated mid-century collection of global folk art.Dated: Both pieces are hand-inscribed \"Africa 1978\" and \"12-78,\" providing a rare and verifiable provenance for the collector.
Style: Traditional Kpelie style from the Senufo people of the Ivory Coast, representing idealized spiritual beauty and ancestral connection.Artisanal Craftsmanship:Hand-Tooled: The reverse side of both masks shows authentic adze and chisel marks, confirming they were hollowed out by hand using traditional West African techniques.
Material: Carved from a single block of heavy Sesse wood (West African Hardwood), featuring rich graining and natural inclusions.Design Details: Features classic Senufo iconography including the arched \"beauty\" headdress, geometric side flanges (flames/ears), and the symbolic \"legs\" at the base of the chin.Condition & Dimensions:
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The wood is stable with a beautiful aged luster. No major cracks or repairs. Minor surface character consistent with 45+ years of age
Large Mask: 18.5\" H x 9\" W (approx)
Smaller Mask: 17.5\" H x 9\" W (approx)

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