Artwork Page for Buffalo Mask

Details / Information for Buffalo Mask

Buffalo Mask

early to mid-1900s

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, possibly Bwa-style maker

Medium
Wood, plant fibers, paint, and iron
Measurements
Overall: 69.8 cm (27 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Katherine C. White 1969.2
Public Domain
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Location
108A African
Print
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Did You Know?

Once broken, the right horn of this mask was repaired; this indicates that it was valued.

Description

Among the Bwa people, masks with human, animal, and fantastic traits typically represent protective bush spirits. This mask’s horns and muzzle identify it as a bush buffalo. Masked dancers appear during the dry season for initiations, funerals of elders, market days, harvest celebrations, and annual renewal rituals to protect the well-being of the community.
A wood mask resembling a buffalo features a long muzzle and horns that curve up and almost meet in a circle at the top. On the face, black, white, and red circles create eyes. The muzzle tents up just below the eyes, with a black-rimmed red "X" on either side. Long, tousled, thick blond tendrils of plant fiber tumble down from the sides of the muzzle.

Buffalo Mask

early to mid-1900s

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, possibly Bwa-style maker

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