Zoomorphic mask ·  Burkina Faso, Bwa · ID: 3037494

Description

wood, matt patina, black, (yellowed) white and red paint, in form of a antelope head, concentrical eyes, incised ornaments, min. dam., fine cracks. slight traces of abrasion, 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.

Comparing literature

Roy, Christopher D., Land of the flying masks, München 2007, ill. 146