Nuna - Burkina Fasso

Wood, pigments, metal.

Provenance
Thomas GB WHEELOCK, New York
James STEPHENSON, New York

Publication
Roy CHRISTOPHER D & Thomas GB WHEELOCK "Land of the flying masks, art and culture in Burkina Faso. The Thomas GB WHEELOCK collection", Munich: Prestel, 2007: p. 396, Plate 58.

This ancient mask, a representation of a hornbill, is provided with a repair using a metal plate.
According to the book by Christopher D. Roy and Thomas GB Wheelock, the motifs that adorn this mask are significant representations of the commandments of the Dogon god. These carefully detailed motifs are not only aesthetic, but carry a deep meaning. Young initiates are responsible for memorizing them and understanding the significance of their arrangement for each mask.
This learning process is crucial because it allows knowledge and traditions to be passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring the sustainability of the culture.

In the book "Land of the Flying Masks," the author explores the hornbill mask in depth, using this one as an example, highlighting its importance as a fascinating spirit representation. The hornbill, which moves between the outside and inside of its nest, is seen as a metaphor for communication between humans and the spirit world. At the same time, the chameleon appears as a symbol of change and danger, representing the need to adapt to survive in an ever-changing environment.