The Kpélié masks of the Ivory Coast, originating from the Djimini (or Ligbi) country, occupy a privileged place in the development of this type of mask across the Ivorian savannah and in particular along the ancient trade route leading from the Niger River to the gold deposits of the Akan people 
The Dioulas, who acted as intermediaries between the African populations and the Arab-Berber traders, used these masks for the celebration of the do, the burial of ancestors as well as for the main religious festivals. The most important of the masked performers is the do muso, the "woman of the do", the type to which this mask belongs. 
 
Provenance : 

• Former Marceau Rivière collection, Paris.