Bobo Mask II
Burkina Faso
A mask constructed along a vertical axis, the form contained within a circular planar field and organised through concentric radial registers.
Description
Carved from a single wood block, triangular relief elements are arranged in continuous bands across the face, alternating with smooth intervals between registers. At the centre, a cylindrical projecting mouth extends forward. A flat vertical bar projects along the central axis. A curved horn-form projection extends across the upper register, intersecting the vertical bar. Circular eyes are defined by concentric incised rings set symmetrically on either side of the central axis.
Surface is compact and stable, with pigment retained within recessed zones and exposure at raised elements.
Context
Among the Bobo, masks of this type are used within agricultural and initiation structures.
Provenance
From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Burkina Faso, 1972.
Details
- Title
- Bobo Mask II
- Culture
- Bobo
- Origin
- Burkina Faso
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 57 cm (22.4 in) · W 50 cm (19.7 in) · D 28 cm (11 in)
- Medium
- Wood, pigment
- Provenance
- From the Felice Maffei Collection, acquired in Burkina Faso, 1972.
- Condition
- Stable surface; pigment retained in recesses; exposure at raised elements.
