**First Time At Auction**

West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bwa people, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. A fantastical plank Kobiay mask which is a representation of a nature spirit with highly stylized features that probably combines different features of bush or domesticated animals. A square protruding mouth and a hooked nose set between protruding eyes, vertical ears or horns and a massive crest plank that symbolizes a rooster or wild bird comb. This mask was associated with the Cult of Do, an animistic religion that centers around a supernatural figure called Do (Dwo), who acted as a mediator between humans and his father, the creator deity. The Bwa will dance in masks such as this example to represent different bush spirits and animals. Chickens were often used in sacrificial rituals to the deities, bush cows were symbolic of strength and power- while other animals such as hornbills and chameleons had special attributes in Bwa society. Size: 8" L x 13" W x 27.5" H (20.3 cm x 33 cm x 69.8 cm); 37.5" H (95.2 cm) on included custom stand.

According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "In Bwa society, the identity and continued well-being of a family are often tied to a nature spirit. The origin of this association may be a dream or even an encounter with a spirit who materializes in animal form. Upon consulting a priest, a family may commission a sculpture to embody that nature spirit. The masks appear at important funerals to honor the dead and escort their soul to the world beyond. They also dance at agricultural festivities to ensure the proper progression of the seasons, and at initiation rituals to help introduce young men and women to the secrets and responsibilities of adulthood. The masks are the object of family pride and are also an unofficial means of representing its prosperity and influence. Rival families will compete to assemble the most innovative and spectacular performances. Consequently, families will commission the carving of a multitude of masks—as many as nine different masks may represent an individual extended family. The elaborate decorations, the impressive size and design of the mask, as well as dynamic choreography all add to the grandeur and prestige of the event."

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-New York, USA collection

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#177274

Repaired, half of crest is reattached with break line vertically across plank. Stable pressure fissures throughout. Chips and surface abrasions. Cracking to pigment and surface layers, but overall great good condition.