Janus crocodile mask from the Senufo of Ivory Coast

Dimensions: 68 x 23 x 25 cm.

The Janus helmet masks belong to the art of the Senufo, a population group that mainly lives in West Africa, especially in countries such as Ivory Coast, Mali and Burkina Faso. Janus masks are named after Janus, the Roman god of gates, doors, beginnings and endings, who is often depicted with two faces.

The Senufo's Janus helmet masks have similar features, with two faces placed opposite each other on a helmet-like structure. The use of two faces is sometimes interpreted as a representation of the concept of time. One face then symbolizes the past, while the other face represents the future. This highlights the importance of understanding history to create an informed future.

The masks are often used during rituals and ceremonies, such as initiation rituals for young men that mark the transition to adulthood. But you can also encounter them at harvest or funeral ceremonies. They represent the idea of ​​balance and harmony in the Senufo worldview. The masks are considered spiritual guides who lead the community through different stages of life and rituals.