Hawk Mask – Wood – Bwa – Burkina Faso (106 cm)

Wonderful Bwa Hawk mask from the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso.

These wide headdresses transformed the dancer into a supernatural being. They were used by the Do society at dances to promote fertility of the fields and at funerals of Do members. The geometric designs all have meanings. The checkerboard pattern symbolizes the separation of light from dark, good from evil, and female from male.

Animal masks were used by the Bwa and Bobo in Do worship. The animals represent nature gods who can communicate with humans through the masks. The purpose of this was to encourage the deity Do to bring rain and fertility. In addition, the masks were also worn during funeral and initiation ceremonies. Nowadays, mask dances are performed exclusively for entertainment.

Good condition with a wonderful aged patina.

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