Coffee mug or cup, Wanyugo mask-helmet with a long, plunging muzzle

Bringing together the most fearsome animals in a single head to protect the community.

On this mug or coffee cup, the design unfolds on the side: a mask-helmet drawn in black and grey, on a white background. The saucer, when you choose the cup, is encircled by concentric black stripes. This piece is our tribute to the iconic "Wanyugo mask-helmet".

🎭 The story of the motif

Worn during funerals by an initiate who must remain anonymous, the Wanyugo brings together the most fearsome animals in a single head to protect the community. A ritual mask, evoked with respect.

• Wanyugo (Ivory Coast, Senufo): a mask-helmet carved from a single piece, which brings together crocodile jaws, warthog tusks and antelope horns.

✨ What the motif tells

Protection: it drives away evil spirits and helps the deceased join the world of the ancestors. Justice: it is renowned for appeasing violence. Giving this motif is to pass on protection and justice.

Our reinterpretation

On the piece, the mask leaves its ceremonial place and is drawn on the side of the mug or cup, in black and grey on a white background; the saucer receives concentric black stripes. The Wanyugo with its long plunging snout: the mask plunges diagonally, elongated snout pointed downwards, jaws armed with fangs. At the top, a small sculpted figure and a long upright stem extend the silhouette. This piece is decorated to order in our workshop in Alfortville, motif prepared, placed and enameled by hand before firing.

At your table

At coffee time, on a light tablecloth or a raw wood table, the morning light brings out the contrasts of black, grey and white. The piece can also become a gift carrying protection and peace, to give to someone who matters.

Characteristics

• Contents: 1 mug or 1 coffee cup with saucer, your choice.
• Colors: black, grey and white.
• Material: porcelain.
• Mug: Ø 8 cm, height 9.1 cm, 30 cl.
• Coffee cup: 9 cl, saucer Ø 12 cm.
• Personalization: colors, first name, date or message upon request; mask to choose from hundreds of African-inspired models, drawn from authentic representations preserved in museums, coming from all the countries of Africa: according to what touches or marks the person.
• In case of breakage: replacement of the unit possible in case of breakage (same motif, same dimensions), as long as the shape remains in the catalog.
• In the same motif: mug or coffee cup.

To personalize your mug or coffee cup around the protection and justice carried by the Wanyugo, write to us.