Mask

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-masks

Culture Bobo

Date20th Century

Made AtBurkina Faso, Africa

MediumWood, pigment and fiber

Dimensions21 1/8 × 8 × 7 1/4 in. (53.7 × 20.3 × 18.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Dr. Victor J. Rosen

Object numberF75.20.3

DescriptionAfrican; mask. Bobo Dance Mask, Upper Volta. Wood, paint, rope, in the form of a zoomorphic bird. A "horn" extends vertically from the forehead of the mask and is painted black. Eyes and ears are depicted centrally. A long beak protrudes downward, and on either side are what might represent a cock's comb. The facial area of the mask is decorated in geometric design - black with alernating red and white triangles. The ears and eye areas are set off by large areas of white. The top of the beak is black with white lines while the bottom portion is painted red. It is in the back of the beak where the only perforation of the mask occurs (as far as using it as a mask is concerned.); around the base of the mask are small perforations.
LABEL: Acknowledgement should read: The Bowers Museum Foundation Collection; Gift of Dr. Victor J. Rosen
Dance Mask in the form of a zoomorphic bird, Bobo tribe, Upper Volta, Africa. 23"L. Wood, paint, rope Bird spirits are frequently used by the Bobo. In a style which could be described as cubist, they are very striking. The basic angular and rounded planes are further decorated with circles, triangles, lozenges and checkered patterns painted red, black and white.

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