ON SALE

The Djimini are a sub-group of the larger Senufo group of Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Every part of the life of the average Djimini depends on the ground. Many believe the ground itself holds spiritual blessings for them. For generations, the Djimini have clustered their homes around a Baobab tree. Djimini plant a Baobab tree at the site of every new village. These trees can live to be thousands of years old. The tree is unique in its appearance as well as in its endurance. The people believe that such trees are associated with a good spirit, which can provide an abiding source of protection and good fortune for their families. 

It is important for a Djimini to be a good farmer. The more successful a man is as a farmer, the greater recognition and respect he receives from his peers. In early childhood, Djimini are taught the stories and traditions of their people. Circumcision and cultural ceremonies are performed as rites of passage. Community and friendship are equally important. Greetings between individuals are very intricate in the Djimini culture. During the course of a conversation, the greeting process may be repeated several times to clarify that all is right between the two individuals. 

The styling of the mask that appears here is a beautiful representation of Djimini craftsmanship. Their ceremonial masks normally will pay tribute to some type of animal spirit in combination with a human form. This falls in line with their religious practice of animalism that is a form of worshipping nature. The covering is made from a hard native wood and features two large ground lizards on the top head piece. Lizards symbolize fertility for the people and for their land. The two small Senufo like appendages reaching out from the bottom of the mask are indicative of the influence that the neighboring Senufo have had on the Djimini culture.

Please click photo for enlargement!

Dimensions: 17 inches tall x 9 1/2 inches wide.

Any QUESTIONS please leave a message here at Contact Us!

*Fixed or free shipping for domestic orders only*