Artwork Page for Mask (wan-balinga)

Details / Information for Mask (wan-balinga)

Mask (wan-balinga)

early 1900s

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi-style blacksmith-carver

Medium
Wood and paint
Measurements
Overall: 34 x 14 x 14 cm (13 3/8 x 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 in.)
Weight: 520 g (1.15 lbs.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 2014.1
Public Domain
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Location
108A African
Print
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Did You Know?

This mask was worn and danced upon the death of an elder, escorting the corpse to the grave.

Description

Only the farmers among the Mossi people employ masks. This mask’s proper name, wan-balinga, evokes a mythical figure who was the mother of the first Mossi ruler. Such masks are most typically worn and danced with on the occasion of the funeral of a male or female elder as escorts of the corpse to the grave. They also appear during annual memorial services that occur months after the actual burial, when all the deceased clan members are commemorated and honored.
A painted wood mask features a teardrop-shaped face, two holes for eyes, and a cylindrical nose extending from the forehead. A block carved in the middle creates square, parted lips. The point of the head curves back, widening from a narrow point into a headpiece with a black painted ridge dividing it down the middle. The face is painted cream with black and burgundy patterns, also making a triangular pattern on the headpiece.

Mask (wan-balinga)

early 1900s

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi-style blacksmith-carver

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