-40%

Buffalo mask, Bwa (aka Bobo) (#485)

$ 170.54

Availability: 33 in stock

Country/Region of Manufacture: Burkina Faso

Modified Item: No

Handmade: Yes

Provenance: Ownership History Available

Condition: Paint faded, mask dusted not cleaned, has small chips, nicks and scratches; both ears have similar cuts which look intentional is if part of the assembly process; one ear is glued while the other is secured by a nail and can be turned; one of the horn tips is blunt while the other is pointed; the horns are approximately the same length; the “blunt” horn is about ¼” longer than the “pointed” one; the wood on the vertical sides of the back base appears to have experienced some deterioration (see pictures).

Description
Size Guide

Description

Ethnic Group and Region: Bwa, Burkina Faso (also called Bobo)
Formerly Displayed:
·
Kennedy Museum of Art at Ohio University (February through April 2007)
·
Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine art at Auburn University (February through May 2008).
·
5
th
Avenue Mask Museum, Hendersonville NC (#485)
Measurements are approximate.
Mask height: 15 inches
Mask width: 8 1/2 inches
Mask depth: 6 1/2 inches
Material: Wood, hand carved
Acquired year: 1989
Acquired in: London
“Animal mask performances are imitative of the movements of the animals represented. . . . Animal masks often have a totemic purpose. The animal represented frequently has a legendary association with a founding member of the clan who owns the mask” (26).
Information and the only claim with respect to authenticity about this mask are taken from notes and sketches by Ellen Hobbs
and from the museum catalogue
Behind the Mask
.
Ms. Hobbs’ sketch is shown with the photos of the mask. No other representations of authenticity are made.
Quoted from t
he museum catalog
Behind the Mask
(see photos) [copyrighted 2008 by Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art Auburn University (
www.jcsm.auburn.edu
); the pages shown here have been reproduced with the Museum’s permission].