» Antique goods and Rarities for sale in Canada » Other » African Water Buffalo Mask Bwa Burkina Faso Vintage State Department

This mask is from the estate of well-traveled State Department employee. This is Bwa water buffalo mask from Burkina Faso. I imagine this mask was made sometime around the 50's, perhaps earlier, based on the career of the State Department employee. The mask is well-detailed and finished in polychrome paint over carved geometrics. If you look closely at the carving, you will see directional details in the horn and ears that lend realism, and indicates care in the carving for it's eventual ritual use.  It measures 24" long, by 13" wide, by 6" deep.  The mask has patina which only age can lend. This is highly collectible mask, and is completely authentic and wonderful example of Bwa tribe mask.