Bobo Mask - Burkina Faso

Bobo Mask from Burkina Faso. The Bobo are a West African people living primarily in northwest Burkina Faso, also across the border in Mali. They are closely related to the Bwa. The name of the city of Bobo-Dioulasso—named in 1904—means "home of the Bobo-Dioulasso." According to sources, several variations are observed: Bobo-Dioulasso, Bobo Fing, Bobofi, Bobo-Madaré, Bobo-Mandare, Bobos, Ma-da-re, Madare. The Bobo believe in a god, Wuro, creator of the earth and animals. The first man created was a blacksmith who asked for a companion. This is how the Bobo, or farmer, was created. Bobo masks are renowned. This type of mask was used by the blacksmith caste, particularly for mourning ceremonies.

REGION: Burkina Faso
MATERIAL: Wood
PERIOD: early 20th century
DIMENSIONS: 50 x 13cm