Coffee mug or cup, sepia Wanyugo mask-helmet with lyre-shaped horns

A helmet mask that brings together the most fearsome animals to protect the community.

On the white porcelain, a helmet mask with an animal head is drawn in black and grey, with upright horns and an open mouth. The saucer is encircled by fine concentric black lines. Here we pay tribute to the iconic "Wanyugo Helmet Mask".

🎭 The history of the motif

In Côte d'Ivoire, worn during funerals by a Poro Senufo initiate who must remain anonymous, the Wanyugo brings together the most fearsome animals in a single head to protect the community.

• Wanyugo (Côte d'Ivoire, Senufo): a helmet mask carved from a single piece, which brings together crocodile jaws, warthog tusks and antelope horns.

✨ What the motif tells

The symbolism of the Wanyugo is that of protection: it drives away evil spirits and helps the deceased join the world of the ancestors. It is also renowned for appeasing violence, in an idea of justice.

Our reinterpretation

On this piece, the mask is drawn on the side of the cup or mug; the saucer is encircled by fine concentric black lines. The black, grey and white colors set it on the white porcelain. On the piece, the mask represented is the sepia Wanyugo with lyre horns, a design in sepia tones. It is carved in facets like sculpted wood: two upright lyre horns, pointed ears and an open fan-shaped jaw. This piece is decorated to order in our workshop in Alfortville, motif prepared, applied and glazed by hand before firing.

At your table

In the soft morning light, on a natural linen tablecloth, this mug or cup accompanies a quiet moment for two or a few loved ones. Given to someone going through a life transition, it carries the symbolism of protection and justice of the Wanyugo.

Characteristics

• Contents: 1 mug or 1 coffee cup with saucer, your choice.
• Colors: black, grey, white.
• Material: porcelain.
• Mug dimensions: Ø 8 cm, height 9.1 cm, 30 cl.
• Coffee cup dimensions: 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 item is possible, same motif and same dimensions, as long as the shape remains in the catalog.
• In the same motif: mug or coffee cup.

Write to us to personalize your piece, in connection with the protection and justice carried by the Wanyugo.