Sale!

Mossi Zoomorphic Head Crest from Burkina Faso 13" - African Tribal Art

Mossi Zoomorphic Head Crest from Burkina Faso 13″ – African Tribal Art

Name: Mossi Zoomorphic Head Crest from Burkina Faso 13" - African Tribal Art
SKU: DDC_2629
Price: 150.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Original price was: $300.00.Current price is: $150.00.

1 in stock

SKU: DDC_2629 Categories: Dave Dahl Collection, NEWLY LISTED, African Carvings, Animal / Zoomorphic, Tribal Masks

This beautiful hand carved mask was created in the style of the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. This interesting head crest mask has been carved into a bird head shape and features four square eyes, a protruding crest, mouth and chin. The exterior is rough and has a string attached between the eyes. The mask measures 13 inches tall and weighs 1 lb. There is some damage, scrapes, scuffs, chips and imperfections throughout – please inspect photos. Stand is not included.

This is a piece from the Dave Dahl Collection. Please feel free to contact us with your best offers! Please include item title or SKU.

Type of Object	Mask
Country of Origin	Burkina Faso
Animal	Bird
Ethnicity	Mossi
Approximate Age	Unknown
Material	Wood, Pigment
Height (Inches)	13"
Width (Inches)	5.5"
Depth (Inches)	12.75"
Weight (Pounds)	1 lb
Tribe Information	The Mossi People
Height Range	12 to 24 Inches (31-60cm)

Tribe Information

About the Mossi People

“The various tribes living in Burkina Faso (formerly Upper-Volta), Ghana and Togo cultivate millet and cotton, and rear cattle in the northern savannah regions. Their religious activities are dictated by the rhythm of the seasons – during the dry season in particular, when the fields are fallow, large festivals and ceremonies are organized.

The first Mossi empire was founded during the 15thcentury by invaders from northern Ghana. Today, the Mossi are the largest tribe living in Burkina Faso. They number 2,000,000 and are the only tribe discussed in this chapter who have a centralized governing body, in addition to clans and professional corporations led by elders known as Zaksoba.

Mossi sculptors are famous for their polychrome masks which are worn during funeral ceremonies and to guard crop. These masks – which have a totemic role – are stored carefully when not worn and are given libations in exchange for help in everyday Mossi life.”

Source:
Baquart, Jean-Baptiste. The Tribal Arts of Africa. New York: Thames and Hudson Inc. 1998. Print.