Mask, Ritual : 2014.1.34

Title:

Dance Mask

Object Name:

Mask, Ritual

Other Name:

Mask, Dance

Place of Origin:

Nuna, Burkina Faso, Africa

Provenance:

Aboriginal Indigenous Art.
H = 21"
W = 8"
D = 9"

Notes on appraisal include: BWA, Burkina Faso, Africa. Gurunsi. And Burunsi (Winiama)

The pair of figures on top refer to the spirits of nature embodied in the mask. They are there to ensure the welfare and fertility of the general population, and more specifically the owner and his family.

New information 4/3/16: Burkina Faso means "Land of Honorable/ Incorruptible men".

Description:

Black oval—shaped dance mask with straight eyebrows, cut across buff—colored forehead. Short wide wedge shaped nose, red and white lines encircling eyes with black centers. Red and black paint on diamond—shaped protruding mouth, with white centers exposing white teeth. White triangular chin flanked by red, black and white geometric diagonal designs. Small red and white traingular designs on cheeks, rectangular finial with white and red geometric designs on front, with two small red female torso figures standing on each side, with pointed female breasts. Large wedge—shaped noses, red and white lines encircling eyes with black centers.

Collection:

Finley Collection

Material:

Wood W/Paint

Used:

Ritually Used

Technique:

Carving / Painting

Owned:

Art Department, MSSU

Accession#:

2014.1.34