A Tussian helmet mask consisting of a funnel-shaped helmet merging into a board with carved ornaments, the helmet bears facial features with a thin long nose, round attached eyes and round ears, attachment holes are located at the edge of the mask, natural patina with signs of use due to age.

The Tussians are a small tribe in the south of Burkina Faso, known for their board masks, called 'Loniake' (or 'Koniake'). The front surface of the 'Loniake' mask is often coloured white with kaolin and decorated with a geometric pattern.

Lit.: 'Tradition und Veränderung der Gesellschaftsstruktur bei den Tussian, Burkina Fasi' by Franz Trost, in the 'Mitteilungen der Anthropologischen Gesellschaft in Wien', vol. 129, 1999, pp. 197-200, ill. p. 201; 'African Art in American Collections' by Robbins & Nooter, ill. 139('Loniake' with buffalo horns).

sold

Height: 72 cm
Weight: 2,6 kg (incl. stand)