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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ethnographic / EXCEPTIONAL BWA MASK FROM BURKINA FASO — PROTECTIVE...
BWA MASK FROM BURKINA FASO — PROTECTIVE SPIRIT AND SYMBOLIC OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD - MALI & IVORY COAST HEIGHT: 1 m WIDTH: 95 cm THICKNESS: 5 cm Imposing Bwa mask from Burkina Faso, entirely handmade according to the ancestral traditions of the Bwa people. This remarkable piece immediately captivates with its monumental circular shape (1 m in diameter) and its powerful graphic language, composed of abstract geometric motifs with a strong visual impact. This imposing circular piece fits visually into the vast universe of Burkina Faso’s geometric masks, particularly associated with Bwa traditions and those of neighboring populations. For the Bwa, wooden masks are not mere decorative objects: during performances, they can embody forces of nature or spirits, and intervene in the major moments of community life. The power of your piece lies in its extraordinary circular composition. The face, almost abstract, is built around a central axis and surrounded by several registers of triangles and multicolored geometric motifs. Red, white/cream, dark blue, and ochre give the whole a particularly spectacular presence. In the documented Bwa traditions, these geometric designs can constitute a true symbolic language. Some motifs are associated with teachings transmitted during initiation, clan legends, and the relationships between men, ancestors, and spiritual forces. However, one must be cautious: without precise documentation on this particular mask, it would be excessive to assign a definite meaning to each triangle or to each color. Bwa masquerades intervene notably during initiations, funeral ceremonies, and agricultural celebrations. During important funerals, the masks symbolically participate in guiding the deceased; during agricultural celebrations, their dances are linked to the renewal of the seasons and the continuity of the community. Some animal shapes also hold an important place in the imagination of Bwa masks — serpent, butterfly, and other creatures — and can be linked to the founding stories of families or clans. Beyond its aesthetics, this mask is a true vehicle of communication between humans and spirits. During ceremonies, it comes to life through dance, accompanied by rhythms and traditional chants, thus becoming a sacred presence at the heart of the community. Mask of good luck and bearer of good fortune.
Estimate:$8.92
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Hammer price:
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Estimate:
$8.92
OCT 27 | 4:00 PM
OCT 23 | 8:00 AM
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Get listed now$200.71
Est: $200.01
OCT 17 | 10:00 PM
