Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Mossi Mask
About the Item
Very old authentic Mossi mask from Burkina Faso
On a professional customised metal stand
Provenance:
- Private collection, UK (details will be given to the buyer)
This item is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity
Masks of this type are associated with the antelope, one of several animals featured in regional myths. In the northern Mossi region, masks are used in burials, memorial celebrations and protective ceremonies and may perform for entertainment. The deceptively simple yet dramatic form of the mask contrasts with the complex history of migration, conquest and assimilation of its owners--individual Nyonyosé lineage groups. They are descendents of three blended groups: the original Dogon peoples, displaced by the westward-moving Kurumba peoples, and the Dagomba horsemen, a new ruling elite from the south that entered around 1500. The groups intermarried and integrated into the peoples now called Mossi.
The available literature is unclear as to the type of mask shown here (A. Schweeger-Hefel, “Masken und Mythen” 1980 and C. Roy, “Art of the Upper Volta Rivers” 1987). Without ever having presented any field photos, both authors refer to a Mossi/Kouroumba type “Karanga” mask and this assertion has been widely adopted by the antiquarian community. Fortunately, in 1975 David Attenborough has filmed a series of documentaries on traditional art in Africa (The Tribal Eye). During the course of his account, one can see Dogon dancers who walk in single file. Among them, a masked “Wirigo” dancer makes a brief appearance. The use of this particular mask seems to be limited to the village of Dogo. It is located at the foot of the cliff at a short distance to the south of Kani Kombole (Huib Blom, 2020).
- Dimensions:Height: 22.84 in (58 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)Depth: 4.73 in (12 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Early 20th Century
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:London, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7788231649412
About the Seller
No Reviews Yet
Vetted Seller
These experienced sellers undergo a comprehensive evaluation by our team of in-house experts.
Established in 2006
1stDibs seller since 2022
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: London, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- Guro / Baule MaskLocated in London, GBFine authentic Guro mask Ivory Coast Wood On a professional customised stand Exhibitted & vetted: - Tribal Art London Provenance: - Private collec...Category
Early 20th Century Ivorian Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Pende maskLocated in London, GBKiwoyo-Muyombo mask Pende DRC Wood 30cm small restoration on the top on a professional customised metal stand ex private collection London, UKCategory
Early 20th Century African Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Ngontang / Fang MaskLocated in London, GBNgontang Mask Gabon Fang-Kwele, (Vuvi) Early 1900s Height: 25cm Material: - Wood, pigment, white kaolin Provenance: - Ex collection Gaspereaux, Toulouse, France - Zema...Category
Early 20th Century Gabonese Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Guro 'Kyasa' maskLocated in London, GBGuro mask 'kyasa' Ivory Coast Wood, paint, metal, hide 38cm Provenance: Peter Peretti (1945-2022) London, United Kingdom Acquired in Paris in the mid 1960sCategory
Mid-20th Century African Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Ibibio Mask from NigeriaLocated in London, GBIBIBIO MASK Nigeria Wood Early 20th Century Provenance: - ex Helmut Zake (1918-1995) collection, Heidelberg, Germany - Native auction, Brussels,...Category
Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- Baule 'Goli Glin' maskLocated in London, GBBaule Goli Mask (Goli Glin) Private collection UK Originally purchased from Bonhams London in the late 1990s Exhibited & vetted: - San Francisco Tribal & ...Category
20th Century Ivorian Tribal Art
MaterialsWood, Paint
You May Also Like
- Mossi Incised Currency BraceletLocated in Chicago, ILThe blacksmiths and sculptors of the Mossi People were held in special regard by the tribe's ruling class. Their ability to shape bronze and other precious metals into currency and status symbols made them valuable members of the powerful tribe. The intricate design of this currency bracelet...Category
Mid-20th Century Tribal Art
MaterialsBronze
- African Nigeria Epa Helmit Mask with ProvenanceLocated in Atlanta, GAAn Epa helmet mask, Nigeria, Africa. Fully carved mother and child; painted red and black with touches of white; Provenance: The Children's Museum of Indianapolis; The Eiteljorg Mu...Category
Vintage 1950s Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art
MaterialsWood
- African Helmet Mask 'Gelede' from Yoruba NigeriaLocated in San Francisco, CABlacked wood helmet mask (Gelede), large human head surmounted by a dog eating a snake which curves around the head. No perforation for attachment to costume from Yoruba, Nigeria. Pu...Category
20th Century Nigerian Tribal Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsWood
- Pair of Papua New Guinea "Yam Festival" MasksLocated in Atlanta, GAA pair of Papua New Guinea yam festival masks from the mid 20th century. These vintage ceremonial masks, also referred to as a baba mask, originate from the Abelam people, along the ...Category
Mid-20th Century Papua New Guinean Tribal Tribal Art
MaterialsIron
- Decorative Hand-Woven Mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&TropicBy Ethic&TropicLocated in Warsaw, PLDecorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Nemboro by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Animal Sculptures
MaterialsCane
- Decorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&TropicBy Ethic&TropicLocated in Warsaw, PLDecorative hand-woven mask from Panama, Mascara by Ethic&Tropic Extraordinary art and decorative items, these masks come from the shamanic beliefs and rituals of indigenous Embera t...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Panamanian Primitive Animal Sculptures
MaterialsCane
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
Moving Antique Furniture
Lineage Furniture
Antique Photo Types
Types Of Antique Photos
Antique Entertainment
Tribal Photos
Short Wood Stand
Antique Elite Furniture
Antique Film
South African Antique Furniture
Antique Furniture South Africa
Antique Furniture In South Africa
African Mask Collection
Carved Entertainment
African Dogon
African Tribal Photo
Wood African Village People
African Antelope