132-B19-3
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2
| Catalog # | Name | Description | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-19-1 | Mask | This is a mask from the Mossi of Burkina Faso. This mask has a bird face and a long creature protruding from the forehead. The bird face has a beak that is open showing the tongue and mouth but the beak is connected at tip. A set of painted, protruding eyes are above 6 triangle shapes on sides of mask. The long creature has triangles and lines painted with jutting bones along chest. Masks are very sacred to the Mossi and are a link between the spirits of ancestors to the people, and to nature. The masks appear at burials on behalf of their ancestors to observe that proper burial techniques are taking place. |
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| 2 | 2021-19-3 | Mask | This mask was made from the Marka people of Mali. It features intricate details in all parts of the mask. Starting with the face, the mask has two eye slits under a overhanging forehead. There is a long nose with no carved nostrils. However, there is a tin plate fashioned on the bridge. Another plate is found under the nose, leading to protrusive lips carved from the wood. Underneath the entire face is a red cloth that has tin plates pinned into it. The cloth is very dirty, so it looks like wood. The ears are carved out and feature an earring hoop made from wood on both ears. There is also a helix piercing at the top of the ear fixtured by string and two pieces of plastic beads. Along the forehead are triangle shaped tin plates in rows. There is a horizontal headband made of wood and seashells. On top of the head is a carved antelope, adorned with tin plates, tassles leading from the horns, and red string with white beads on each ear. Marka masks commonly use an antelope head as a motif. According to Marka mythology, this animal taught men how to farm. |
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