{"product_id":"snake-mask","title":"Snake Mask","description":"\u003cp\u003eBurkina Faso\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely elongated Bwa plank mask reduced to a single rising line, articulated through dense geometric incision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDescription\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA plank mask of extreme vertical proportion, attributed to the Bwa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe form extends from a compact ovoid base into a narrow, blade-like shaft, tapering to a point and sustained as a continuous vertical line. The surface is fully worked with repeated triangular motifs contained within linear borders, establishing a steady rhythm that carries the eye upward without interruption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the base, a small ovoid facial element presents concentric eye motifs and curving linear patterns set against a darkened ground. This compact form anchors the composition while allowing the upper register to dominate as an uninterrupted extension.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePigment is retained across both raised and recessed zones, with abrasion at exposed points revealing the underlying wood. The contrast between lighter relief and darker ground maintains the clarity of the carved patterning along the full height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eContext\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmong the Bwa, plank masks appear in ceremonial performance where abstraction and geometry carry the visual weight. In examples such as this, form is reduced to line, proportion, and repetition — the effect depends on the sustained clarity of this single vertical gesture. Works of this scale with surface of this integrity remain uncommon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eProvenance\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the Felice Maffei Collection\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcquired Burkina Faso, 1984\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailable on private enquiry.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"OriginalTribalArts.com","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52045351190871,"sku":null,"price":50000.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0874\/8600\/5591\/files\/DSC_9835_658b1522-6023-4c39-8a07-06e6f74c7503.jpg?v=1761796652","url":"https:\/\/originaltribalarts.com\/products\/snake-mask","provider":"OriginalTribalArts.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}