The Baule culture originates from Cote D’ Ivoire in the Western African region, where they are best-known for their portrait masks depicting human faces. However, the Baule also create very individualized animal masks that symbolize traits that are important to specific ceremonies; a mask depicting characteristics of the buffalo, for example, may be used to represent a fierce … [Read more...] about Animal Mask: Researched by Brandellia Hang
Bobo culture artists create large horizontal masks known as butterfly masks. This Hornbill Butterfly Mask with Triangular Patterns incorporates all of the typical features of a traditional butterfly mask: The body is made of a long, horizontal wooden plank; the eyes are carved like a bullseye and painted white, black, and red; and the curved beak protrudes and hangs over a … [Read more...] about Hornbill Butterfly Mask with Triangular Patterns: Researched by Brandellia Hang
The Mossi culture of Western Africa neighbors the Bobo culture, and like the Bobo and other nearby cultures, Mossi artists predominantly use red, white, and black pigments and geometric patterns in their masks. Also like the Bobo, the Mossi make masks that represent bush spirits, which are nature spirits that take animal form. Rooster masks are also among the … [Read more...] about Long-Beaked Rooster Helmet Mask: Researched by Brandellia Hang