Plank mask "nwantantay" · Burkina Faso, Bwa · ID: 3042629
sold
EUR 1,600
Provenance
Hans Wolf, Zurich, SwitzerlandZemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 5 December 1998, lot 33
Heinz Kolerski, Fellbach, Germany
Size
H: 95 cm
H: 37.4 inch
Description
wood, white, red and black pigment, encrusted in some areas, with the characteristic geometrical grooved decor, accentuated by paint, rep. (breakage back), traces of insect caused damage, fine cracks, paint rubbed off.
Plank masks are the major artistic expression of the southern Bwa. They are signbords or tablets on which the graphic patterns communicate the ethical and moral values of the community. These are religious laws that the people of the community must observe if they are to receive the blessings of God. The black and white checkerboard at the back of this mask represents the value of lifelong learning.
Comparing literature
Förster, Till, Skulptur in Westafrika, Freiburg im Breisgau 1995, p. 79, ill. 3-10
Publications
Schädler, Karl-Ferdinand, Afrikanische Kunst, München 1997, p. 87, ill. 45AHDRC: 0147188