Tribal Art

Representing a hybrid creature, or a masked dancer, whose head recalls the animal masks of groups in southwestern Burkina Faso, this animal sculpture is supported by stick-like growths. She embodies a spirit of the bush. Heterogeneous matte, chipped patina.
Among the Gurunsi, the Lela, Winiama, Nuna and Nunuma are the main mask carvers. They influenced the style and meaning of the masks of their neighbors Mossi and Bwa. These African masks depicting spirits of the bush came out during ritual dances and were worn by members of the village equipped with integral plant fiber outfits that covered the body. The tribal ritual was supposed to bring fertility and prosperity to the village, provided it was performed correctly. These masks were also used during funeral ceremonies of notables, to celebrate passages of initiation grades or simply for entertainment.