African mask Bwa Bobo antiques large African mask Nawantante Masks for wall-4194

46.2/15 CM
this African mask abstractly evoking the bird calao or nwo is mask surmounted by a vertical plank on which a crocodile mask is raised. The holder of the mask and his family worshipped the object through offerings such as millet beer, while invoking its protection. The surface, on each side of the mask, is animated by symbolic geometric patterns. The dark patina was usually obtained from charcoal and gum pods. Drippings and abrasions. Population established on both sides of the Black Volta in Burkina Faso and Mali, the Bwa are divided into three endogamous castes: blacksmiths, griots and farmers. The Bwa believe in a god Difini creator of the world