Bobo Animal Mask Burkina Faso
Width: 6.5
Depth: 6.0
Description
Lots of eye-catching, bold, geometric details on this Bobo mask. There is also a nail piercing through one of the horn-like ends of the mask.
The Bobo, known for their adept carving skills, craft exquisite wooden sculptures and masks, often used in masquerade dances to represent various spirits. Among their renowned carvings is the revered Dwo mask, believed to safeguard villages from evil spirits. Another significant creation is the Boli figure, utilized in ancestral rituals and adorned with intricate designs and symbolic materials. Living in Burkina Faso and Mali, the Bobo, numbering 130,000, are primarily farmers whose lives are governed by elder councils rather than chiefs. Their spiritual beliefs revolve around Wuro, the creator, and Dwo, the intermediary between humans and the divine. Masks play a pivotal role in purification rituals, symbolizing fertility and growth, used during ceremonies associated with crops, initiations, and funerals. The Bobo's craftsmanship stands as a testament to Burkina Faso's rich cultural legacy.
Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Bobo
Country of Origin: Burkina Faso
Material
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners.