Buffalo mask
Description
wood, matt patina, remains of paint, long snout, triangular in diameter, crowned by mighty horns, nearly closed to a circle, incised zigzag- and diamond-shaped ornaments coated with encrusted layers of paint, pierced around the rim, min. dam., surface marked by insect caused damage, missing parts, cracks, base;
the masks of the Gurunsi group show the contrast between the cultural area of the village and the surrounding wilderness. Most of the masks show beings from the bush in an animalic or fantastic shape not visible for humans.The knowledge of the masks and their geometrical patterns is restricted to the male population. During a two week initiation the boys are introduced to this secret knowledge, which also serves for mediation of social and moral values.