Im Inventar der Sammlung Galaverni wie folgt beschrieben: „An ancient Senufo dance mask, Sikasso region, Ivory Coast. lt may be considered a wonderful and ancient example of what the Senufo have produced in this field.

The head of a buffalo with large curved horns is surmounted by a small, kneeling human figure. Under the ample arch of the horns, the projecting ears with their rigorous essential shape, the heavy eyelids covering the eyes and joining to draw the thin long line of the nose that perpendicularly divides the muzzle of the animal, simply rendered as a rectangle.

All these elements suggest an atmosphere of such a deep concentration that you feel as if „meditation“ becomes a subject by itself with its own representation.

The small human figure seems to be overcome by the mighty animal nature that encircles her, receiving at the same time a sort of protection. In profile, the strong teeth with their high relief give an unexpected impression of wild animality, thus confirming that mysterious and appeased strength that permeates the mask. The harmony of the refined details together with the perfection of the sculptural invention makes it an exceptional work of art.

The mask was worn by the dancer on top of the head, not on his face which is proved by the absence of the openings for the eyes that allowed the dancer to see. This peculiarity is not unusual for ornaments created for dance. Often the mask does not only substitute the features – human or animal – but adopts a symbolic character that transcends its basic function. In this specimen an old crusty patina covers traces of a former polychromatic decoration.“