A Nunuma mask, Burkina Faso, collected in the region Tieriba, with a square open mouth, pointed nose and brooding eyebrows without any eyes carved noto the mask, the surface of the mask is ornamented with geometric likes uniformly giving the mask its individuality, the centre of the forehead is carved with a metal ring attached to the end; there are small holes on the nose in place of nostrils and more holes in the lower section of the hood of the brows. Signs of repair on the right side of the forehead, thick encrusted medium brown patina. Provenance: Belo Mohamed Garba.

“The Nuna and related Nunuma people inhabit Burkina Faso and share with their neighbors, the Bwa and Winiama peoples, a highly geometrical masking style.  There are two major types of masks used by the Nuna peoples. Sacred masks (wankr) are said to have descended from the sky and are danced with weapons in their hands in important ceremonies only.  When not being worn, they are used as sacrificial altars. Revealed masks dance only on ritual occasions.” Source: Museum of cultural masks
Lit.: Thomas Wheelock collection, "The Flying Masks of Burkina", Faso, page 45-62.

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Height: 29 cm
Weight: 1,4 kg (incl. stand)