Bwa Mask

Carved from a single wood block, the shaft rises along the central axis through alternating angular lateral expansions, each section organised by fields of repeated triangular relief. A rectangular lower section extends below the face, organised by dense fields of repeated triangular relief. Above, a circular facial disc is set within the vertical sequence at mid-point. Concentric rings define the eyes, linked by diagonal bands to the central vertical ridge. The vertical element terminates in a projecting zoomorphic head with an extended snout descending toward the facial disc. The perimeter remains open along the lateral edges of the zigzag structure.

Surface is compact and stable, with pigment retained within recessed zones and exposure at raised elements.

Among the Bwa, plank masks of this type are used within agricultural and initiation structures.

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Burkina Faso, 1984.

Title

Bwa Mask

Culture

Bwa

Origin

Burkina Faso

Date

19th–20th century

Dimensions

H 149 cm (58.7 in) · W 18 cm (7.1 in)

Medium

Wood, pigment

Provenance

From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Burkina Faso, 1984.

Condition

Stable surface; pigment partially retained; exposure at raised elements.