Lot 149: A rare and unusual monumental Bobo mask

A rare and unusual monumental Bobo mask, Bobo; Burkina Faso

The mask in the form a large helmet with incised geometric forms and remains of pigment, raised design representing stylized eyes, the whole with a large open-work superstructure with incising and zigzag patterns. Fine old patina and signs of wear and use. H. 60 1/2"

This unusual mask is most closely related to an example in Kamer, 'Haute Volta' 1973, fig. 8, from the Tanzila region of Bobo country. Kamer suggests the superstructure may represent feathers, though other Burkinabe peoples make vegetal mask with high crests in similar forms.

Comments:
Property from a New York Estate

Provenance:
Alfred Schienberg, 1971, The Gallery of African Art. NY

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