Wanyugo Helmet Mask of the Senufo: What It Was For and Why It Matters
Senufo | Côte d'Ivoire | Protective / Funerary
What was it for?
A senior protective helmet mask of the Poro society. The wanyugo is worn at the funerals of important elders to confront harmful forces, guarding the community against witchcraft and escorting the spirits of the deceased safely on their way.
What does it look like?
A large, imposing helmet, typically double sided, with a face looking in each direction. It combines warthog tusks, crocodile jaws and antelope horns, and often carries carved chameleons. The double form lets it see and combat evil from any angle.
Why does it matter?
The wanyugo is considered one of the most powerful objects the Senufo Poro society controls. Its appearance is never casual. It comes out when an important elder has died and harmful forces must be confronted, and each time it has a specific spiritual task to accomplish.
One thing most people never know
The chameleons often carved on the wanyugo join the tusks, jaws and horns in a gathering of animal powers, and the double sided form means there is no direction from which evil can approach unseen. Every part of the mask is turned toward watching and defending.
Further reading: the source record for this entry.
This entry is part of the SEVICS Africa archive of 100 African masks. If you own a mask like this and want to know more about it, try our Mask Identifier.
