Bwa Mask II
Burkina Faso
A plank mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form contained within an elongated blade-like shaft rising from an ovoid facial base.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, the lower section presents an ovoid face organised by a central vertical ridge, concentric circular eye motifs, and curving linear bands framing the facial perimeter. A collar formed by three stacked annular mouldings articulates the transition from face to shaft. Above, the shaft extends in a narrow tapering form, its surface organised through continuous fields of repeated triangular relief contained within parallel linear borders.
Surface is compact and stable, with pigment retained within recessed zones and exposure at raised elements.
Context
Among the Bwa, plank masks of this type are used within agricultural and initiation structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Burkina Faso, 1984.
Details
- Title
- Bwa Mask II
- 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.
