Senufo Kwonro headdress, Ivory Coast

30” tall by 22” wide
Ex private US collection
Originally acquired in the 60’s


A nice kwonro headdress that retains its original basket which would have been worn on the head, and its original cloth used to help secure it on the head. This type of object would have been used by the Poro society of the Senufo and is different than most Senufo masks and headdresses as it is basically two-dimensional. The cut-out designs in these often contain stylized human, animal, or nature spirit figures as well as some that just have geometric designs, usually squares, in the center. To me the figure in the center of this one seems like a stylized human form, but it could be interpreted as an animal as well. I personally like that the head is a bit off-center from the body. I’m usually a fan of symmetry, but when something seems purposely off-center it intrigues me. There is a zig-zag design coming out from the center design towards the outside. This design resembles a sun and is found on other examples. The wood and basketry both have nice age and wear. These headdresses are fairly uncommon, and you don’t see a lot of them on the market. I think this one is a nice example. Amyas Naegele told me: “Your kwonro is very respectable. A great one can be sublime.”

$900 plus shipping

*The metal and glass base shown in the photos is not included with the object. It was used to hold it for the purposes of taking the photos, but is not at all suitable as a mount to display it.