The Nuna (Nunuma), who speak the Nuni language, are a subgroup of the Gurunsi people in Southern Burkina Faso and Ghana (to the sound of the Mossi). They are known for their magnificent wooden masks colored red, white, and black.  These masks, along with anthropomorphic figures sculptured from clay and wood are created to honor the spirits. The Nuna had emigrated from northern Ghana at the end of the 15^th century to Burkina Faso.  They are primarily sedentary farmers, growing millet, sorghum, and yams.  The women grow cash crops such as sesame and tobacco, which are sold in local markets.

Central to the Nuna belief is a supreme creator and a shrine to this god occupies the center of every village.  The oldest mask of the community represents “su,” the spirit who benefits the community and harms his enemies. Other masks represent spirits of nature and have animal forms such as buffalos, crocodiles, antelopes, and chameleons. Behind the masks are holes to tie the raffia that covers all the the body of the dancer.