More Treasures - 13454 - Small Bwa Snake Mask

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Small Bwa Snake Mask
13454

Approx 22 inches Tall X 2.5 inches Wide X 2.5 inches Deep

The Bwa people in Burkina Faso make masks that represent protective bush spirits. During ceremonies, the dancer will be covered completely in a suit made of fibers. The fibers hanging from rim of the mask will match the suit so the dance will be completely covered. If you prefer to remove the fibers from the rim of the mask, they can simply be clipped off.

Masks are not always worn over the face, they are often worn on top of the head and the dancer will bend over to show the face of the mask to onlookers. The masks are painted with a clay paint and smoked over a special fire to give them the aged look. Some of these masks will show heavy patina, sometimes even including African repairs made by the mask carvers.

These small masks are representative of the larger, traditional masks used by the Bwa and are similar styles to the Bobo and Mossi peoples. Masks used in ceremony can be several feet tall or wide, even up to 20 plus feet tall. During ceremonies the highly skilled dancers are the most impressive and powerful presence in the villages. Ceremonies are performed on various occassions including initiations, harvest and funerals.

You will receive this exact mask.

$39.00 In Stock (1)