Bobo Mask III
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 surface. At the centre, two circular eyes are defined by concentric incised rings, set symmetrically on either side of the central axis. A flat triangular projection rises along the central axis. Below, a rectangular projecting mouth block extends forward from the lower centre, its interior hollowed. Incised linear elements extend downward from the eyes and nose, organising the central field.
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 III
- Culture
- Bobo
- Origin
- Burkina Faso
- Date
- 20th century
- Dimensions
- H 45 cm (17.7 in) · W 43 cm (16.9 in) · D 12 cm (4.7 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.
