A monkey mask, Gurunsi, region Boromou, village Tchieriba, Burkina Faso, of hollow oval form, a large protruding snout, bulging triangular cheeks, two diagonal incised black ridges leading to a flattened aquiline nose framed by deep-set crescent-shaped eyes, semi-oval ears projecting outwardly from the face, a bulging rounded forehead, capped by a crest, the outline of the mask is surrounded by two black lines, pierced through at the rim for attachment; fine aged patina with black, brown and white pigments, traces of ritual use and cracks, incl. stand.

"The monkey is a trickster in West African societies, causing endless mischief and serious destruction to crops. The monkey masks usually perform as "entre actes", dancing when the other masks are preparing to perform and making comical and ribald gestures that cause the audience to laugh and applaud. The most ancient and sacred mask in several villages is monkey mask."

Lit.: Christopher D. Roy/Thomas G.B. Wheelock: Land of the Flying Masks. Art and Culture in Burkina Faso. The Thomas G. B. Wheelock Collection, Prestel 2007, p. 47.

500 - 600,- Euro

Height: 39 cm
Weight: 1,8 kg