Masquerade costume
Maker: Mossi
Medium:Wood, fibre, paint
Geography: Burkina Faso
Date: 20th century
Dimensions:157 × 48 × 55 cm
Object number: 971.175.138
Gallery Location:Shreyas and Mina Ajmera Gallery of Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific
DescriptionAmong the Mossi and neighboring peoples of Burkina Faso, masquerades embody spiritual powers which manifest themselves in the living world of individuals and communities. When made of wild leaves, masks represent the forces of nature. Carved wood masks, in combination with costumes made of cultivated plant fibers, represent the social forces of the village. The masquerades that embody spirits from the bush often include a headpiece with animal features. This mask represents an antelope.
