"Samo Antelope Mask, Burkina Faso. Polychrome Light Wood. Old Label Inside."
Samo Antelope Mask, Burkina FasoPolychrome light wood Inside old label mentioning its region of collection:
"Echériba, circle of Dédougou, Samo Mask"
(Echériba for Tchériba, department and rural commune of Burkina Faso, located in the province of Mouhoun, region of Boucle du Mouhoun.)
Mask giving off a strong smell impregnated with incense.
Proven wear and age. First half of the 20th century
Ht. 49cm
- €1,200 -
The antelope is frequently represented by masks from Burkina Faso. This same type of mask is found among neighboring ethnic groups, notably the Bwa and the Bobo. This one has fortunately retained the label of the person who collected it in the Mouhoun region, and more precisely among the Samo, living in the current region of Tchériba, near Dédougou. Sacred objects for their users, this type of mask was frequently used by dancers. The vision of the mask wearer was through the mouth opening. At the end of its career, sometimes damaged, the mask became an object of piety. It received sacrifices and then served as a sort of altar, which may explain the strong smell similar to incense, which naturally emanates from this model.
http://www.quai-favieres-antiquites.com/
Le Magazine de PROANTIC
TRÉSORS Magazine
Rivista Artiquariato