West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bwa / Bobo peoples, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A miniature wooden mask comprised of a horizontal plank, decorated with red, white, and black pigments, representing a winged nature spirit such as a falcon, sparrow, hawk, bat, or butterfly. The face is highly stylized, reduced to geometric forms with a triangular nose, concentric circle eyes, and a protuberant circular mouth. Primarily planar in design, it features incised motifs, with only the nose and mouth raised in relief. Despite its small scale, the verso is hollowed out for the wearer's head, with suspension holes around the rim for attachment to a costume. Full-sized dance masks with wingspans of about five feet (1.5 meters) are used in masquerades, funerals, agricultural festivities, and initiation rites. Size: 6.75" L x 1.25" W x 2.5" H (17.1 cm x 3.2 cm x 6.4 cm); 6" H (15.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Thousand Oaks, California, USA collection
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#192418
Condition
Patina and mineral deposits on the surface. Old nicks and abrasions, but otherwise intact. Mounted on a custom display stand.