Zoomorphic plank mask "nwantantay" · Burkina Faso, Bwa · ID: 3035440
Swiss Private Collection
Description
wood, slightly encrusted patina, polychrome paint, plant fibres, circular facial plane with concentrical eye pairs and hook-shaped protrudings, surmounted by a rectangular board-shaped superstructure crowned by three standing figures, rep. (breakage right cheek), missing parts through insect caused damage, cracks, traces of abrasion;
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 Zoomorphic plank mask “nwantantay” with the object ID 3035440 was part of the auction 74th tribal art auction on September 7, 2013. The object with the lot number 58 achieved a sales price of EUR 3,000 with an asking price of EUR 2,500.
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Comparing literature
Förster, Till, Skulptur in Westafrika, Freiburg im Breisgau 1995, p. 79