Face mask "wan-zega" · Burkina Faso, Mossi, Region Boulsa · ID: 3051620
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, Germany, 27 May 2017, Vol. II, lot 223
Description
wood, pigments, base
Mossi in the far eastern area near Boulsa and Zeguedeguin use sets of three masks: a male, the “wan-zega” or red mask, a female, the “wan-sablaga” or black mask and the protective dwarf spirit mask, “yali”.
“Wan-zega” behaves aggressively, chasing spectators and using whips liberally to keep crowds back from the performance area. “Wan-zega” appears at funeral ceremonies.
The object Face mask “wan-zega” with the object ID 3051620 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 118.
You can find more Masks and other popular object types on our related topic pages. You may also be interested in our page on African art.
Expertise
Certificat d' Authenticité, Alain Dufour, Saint Maur, 12 January 2002
Comparing literature
Roy, Christopher D., Land of the flying masks, München 2007, p. 405, ill. 114
Publications
AHDRC: 0139724