Beautiful and very expressive mask from Burkina Faso. Well-used item. Geometric design and with some residue of white kaolin decoration. These masks represent the spirits of nature, who have influence on the human being. Whishing to control these forces and enlist their help against the powers of destruction, the Bwa create masks that make the spirits visible and are thus open to communication. Mostly used in the rituals of the Do initiation society. Collected in the late 1990,s in Bobo Dioulassou and from a private Dutch collection. Height; 41 cm.