A Mossi Wan-Zega Mask

MOSSI PEOPLE, BURKINA FASO, 20TH CENTURY "The most common masks of the Eastern (Boulsa) Mossi are the tall masks, worn by adult men, with red fiber costumes called wan-zega ("red mask"). The visible portion of the mask is about 35 cm. long and 20 cm. wide. A tall (ca. 100 cm.), thin pole extends from the top of the mask. The pole is covered with a thick layer of long red fibers, and from it hangs a large, heavy sack of traditional medicine which swings freely when the mask dances. The body of the performer is covered with a close-fitting red costume. Wan-zega carry a long knife and a club in the left hand. The mask is painted white with kaolin clay, and has small red surrounds at the eyes. The semi-cylindrical mask is bisected by a ridge or nose. Wood, kaolin, red and black pigment 39.5 x 8.5 in. (100.33 x 21.59 cm.) PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST