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Description:
MOSSI WANGO MASK, Burkina Faso, Formally Upper Volta. Diolaso region. A fine Wango mask. White, red, black and brown pigments. Rich aged patina, concave face male & female figures on top of painted geometric carvings on planks. There are masks of this type without the figures atop, are known as Yatengo, this type of masks, with figures atop are known as Wango. They originated from horsemen who made their way north from present day Ghana during the 1500’s. The Mossi are renowned for their masquerades and the use of large, superbly sculpted and brightly painted masks and colorful costumes. Mossi elders are highly honored with elaborate funerals and the appearance of masked dancers with masks representing ancestors and various spirits and forces of Nature in dramatic and often vigorous dances. Splendidly sculpted and brightly colored mask are worn on the face and resting on the top of the head is supported by a web of cords woven through the sides of the mask at the back of the dancer’s head. Due to its size and height it requires great skill on the part of the wearer to keep it upright while being danced. The mask is divided into a number of separate but related sections. The white-painted oval face is divided by a sculpted vertical center line with triangular eyes on either side. Painted antelope horns reach upwards from the top of the face and a female figure is carved in front of a painted and geometrically shaped plank-like form. The female figure is dynamically carved and is especially strong when seen from the side as she often would be when being danced. Male H. 123.5cm. (48.62”) Female H. 121.5cm (47.83”)
| Status: No Longer Available |
Reference#: MSI20028 |
| Condition:
Excellent |
Year:
Early 1900's
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| Country:
Burkina Faso |
Maker:
Unknown |
| Height:
48.5 in. (123.19 cm) |
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| Title:
MOSSI WANGO MASK |
Style:
Mossi |
| Materials:
Wood |
Type:
Mossi |
Dealer Policies: African Tribal Gallery Policy Details
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