Bobo Animal Mask Burkina Faso

Experience the rich culture of Burkina Faso with our authentic Bobo Animal Mask. Hand-carved with intricate details and tall, striking horns, this artifact artwork brings a touch of African decor to your space. Perfect for collectors or anyone looking to add a unique and meaningful piece to their home.

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.

142682

Approximate Age: 20th Century
People: Bobo
Country of Origin: Burkina Faso

Material: wood, pigment, natural fiber

Damage/Repair: Indigenous repairs on horn, chipped wood throughout. See photos for more details.
Overall Condition: Good. Most of our pieces have spent decades on at least two continents, and have been treasured by several owners. Small splits, scrapes and cracks are a normal part of their patina attesting to their age and extensive use. We examine each piece carefully when we receive it and report any damage we find in our listings. Please look carefully at the pictures which may also reveal condition and damage.