Barafu Face Mask

Origin: Bwa/Nunuma Peoples, Burkina Faso
Composition: wood, pigment dye

Like other Bwa masks, the Barafu mask is danced at initiation ceremonies and funerals. What separates Barafu masks from the numerous other masks of the Bwa is that they are only worn by religious experts. This mask has considerable signs of both age and use.

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).