Large Dance or Votive Mask, Burkina Faso, circa 1910–1920

About the Item

Large Dance or Votive Mask, carved wood with geometric decoration in blue, orange, and white Burkina Faso, circa 1910–1920 Height: 80 cm This large carved wooden mask, richly decorated with geometric motifs in vibrant blue, orange, and white, originates from Burkina Faso and would have served either a performative role in traditional dances or a votive/ritual function within the community. Masks of this type play a central role in the spiritual, social, and ceremonial life of many West African societies. In dance contexts, they are worn by initiates or performers to embody ancestral spirits, invoke protection, or mark important communal events. As votive objects, they are displayed in sacred spaces or shrines, acting as intermediaries between the living and spiritual realms, ensuring fertility, wellbeing, or communal harmony. The geometric decoration—a hallmark of many West African masks—may carry symbolic meaning, often referencing cosmology, societal order, or spiritual power. The bold palette of blue, orange, and white enhances the mask’s visual impact, drawing attention during performances and reinforcing its ritual authority. Carved from a single block of wood, the mask demonstrates both technical skill and aesthetic sensibility. Its imposing scale and careful coloration reflect its importance within its cultural and ceremonial context.

Dimensions:
Height: 31.5 in (80 cm)Width: 8.67 in (22 cm)Depth: 8.27 in (21 cm)
Style:
Other (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Wood,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Burkina Faso
Period:
1910-1919
Date of Manufacture:
1910
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Minor structural damages. Minor fading.
Seller Location:
PARIS, FR
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU8645249575962