Bobo Half Plank

Bobo Half Plank

The Bobo plank mask is also known as Nwantantay. The imagery in masks of the Bobo, Bwa and others living in Burkino Faso commonly combine the stylized features of humans, animals or even insects. Bold geometric shapes repeated in brightly painted designs enliven the surfaces of these abstract designs.

When used in performances the masks embody nature and ancestor spirits that interact with human beings and influence their lives. They appear at important funerals to honour the dead and escort the deceased's soul to the world beyond.

They also dance at agricultural festivities to ensure the proper progression of the seasons, and at initiation rituals to help young men and women to the secrets and resposibilities of adulthood.

Size - 100cm high x 30cm wide