A Gurunsi mark, Burkina Faso, Yatenga region. Signs of ritual use; Certificate of origin and provenance. Incl. stand.

The Gurunsi people, primarily found in southern Burkina Faso and northern Ghana, are known for their distinctive masks used in ceremonies and rituals. These masks are typically made of wood and decorated with bold geometric patterns, symbolizing various spiritual and cultural meanings. They are often used in dances and festivals to represent spirits, animals, or ancestors, playing a significant role in community life.

"The Gurunsi masks, with their striking linear motifs and vivid color contrasts, are more than mere decorative objects; they embody the spirits of the ancestors and nature, acting as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. These masks are often characterized by their elongated features, exaggerated forms, and the symbolic use of red, white, and black pigments. During festivals, dancers don these masks to invoke protection, fertility, and social cohesion, their movements imitating the rhythms of life and the cycles of nature. The masks thus serve not only as artistic expressions but also as vital components of the Gurunsi's spiritual and communal identity."
Source: "African Art in Motion" by Robert Farris Thompson

Literature: Land of the Flying Masks: Art & Culture in Burkina Faso. The Thomas G.B. Wheelock Collection: Art and Culture in Burkina Faso: The Thomas G.B. Wheelock Collection.

sold

Height: 65 cm without stand
Weight: 2,2 kg incl. stand