Djimini, Côte d'Ivoire

Ceremonial mask. The Djimini are a sub-group of the larger Senufo group of Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Numbering 100,000 they live in the northeastern central region of Cote d'Ivoire. Every part of the life of majority of the Djimini depends on the ground. They are subsistence farmers. They grow the food they need to survive. Meals are cooked just over the dirt in a pot balanced atop three large stones. Most of their homes are made of mud and clay. In early childhood, Djimini are taught the stories and traditions of their people. Circumcision and cultural ceremonies are performed as rites of passage. When a man reaches the age of 30 he is considered an adult. This mask came from area inhabited by the Djimini sub-group, its function is not clear.

Material: wood

Size: H. 15”, W. 10”, D. 3”