Plank mask "nwantantay" · Burkina Faso, Bwa · ID: 3042629
Zemanek-Münster, Würzburg, 5 December 1998, lot 33
Heinz Kolerski, Fellbach, Germany
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.
The object Plank mask “nwantantay” with the object ID 3042629 was part of the auction 87th Tribal Art Auction on November 11, 2017. The object with the lot number 127 achieved a sales price of EUR 1,600 with an asking price of EUR 1,500.
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.
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. 45
AHDRC: 0147188