Burkina Faso, Black Volta River region
Bwa  

Wood, raffia, pigment
ca. Early – Mid 1900s
Height: 24 in; Width: 15 in
Other – Regalia – Mask

A Bwa ‘Buffalo’ Ceremonial Mask from Burkina Faso, West Africa.  This remarkable example of African mask-making tradition was worn by the ‘Do’ society at memorial festivities for the dead. ‘Do’ was the son of God, who was responsible for the creation of the universe.  Many elaborate masks with decorative elements originated from the Bwa communities in Burkina Faso, playing crucial roles in religious ceremonies, social events, and the preservation of cultural knowledge.

Among the Bwa people, masks with human and animal traits typically represent protective bush spirits. This highly stylized wood carved mask depicts a bush buffalo.  It is distinguished by its geometric patterning; its long muzzle ending in an open triangular mouth; large round eyes surrounded by concentric circles; and its horns form a nearly perfect circle. The deeply incised wood and the black, red, and white coloration typify Bwa masks.  When used in performances,  masks embody nature or ancestor spirits that interact with human beings and influence their lives.