Bobo Wood Stool Burkina Faso

This small wooden stool was carved by the Bobo people of Burkina Faso. Stools like this served both as utilitarian objects and as personal status symbols. The compact form is enhanced by incised geometric patterns, a hallmark of Toma artistry that emphasizes balance, rhythm, and abstraction.

The stool’s smooth patina reflects use and age, while the carved designs add visual interest and cultural meaning. Portable and durable, such stools were often treasured personal possessions, carried by their owners and used daily. 

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.

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