Bush Spirit Mask with Horns

Origin: Bwa Tribe, Burkina Faso
Composition: wood, pigment dye

This is another in a group of outstanding masks in the Bobo/Bwa/Naruma/Nuna group of masks which stylize animal faces and apply extraordinary design technique for masks that make bush spirits come alive and bring protection to the village. The animal spirits often invoked include crocodiles, buffalo, rams and gazelles, or incorporate elements of all of these.

The Bwa and Nuna live in the dry savannah land of central Burkina Faso. Like other peoples in this area, the Bwa and Nuna seek the help of powerful spirits who live in the wild forests, bush country, and rivers surrounding their villages. Wishing to control these forces and enlist their help against the powers of destruction, the Bwa and Nuna create masks that make the spirits visible and put them in touch with the people. Nuna animal spirit masks depict the nature spirits associated with such powerful animals as the hawk, buffalo, and crocodile, which live in the forests and rivers near the village. The masks are owned by families and clans who enlist the spirits to help and protect them (ref: University of Virginia, Masks of Africa).