AMAZING AFRICAN MOSSI WANGO MASK BURKINA FASO 43”H

Description

Incredible AFRICAN MOSSI WANGO MASK BURKINA FASO 43”H - 6.5” wide at bottom mask. From one ONE carved piece. Condition is pre-owned but very good condition.
MOSSI WANGO MASKS  Burkina Faso, Formally Upper Volta, Diolaso region;
A fine Wango mask, White pigment. Rich aged patina, oval face and  a female figure on top. This type of mask, with figures atop are known as Wango. They originated from horsemen who made their way north from present day Ghana during the 1500’s. The Mossi are renowned for their masquerades and the use of large, superbly sculpted and brightly painted masks and colorful costumes. Mossi elders are highly honored with elaborate funerals and the appearance of masked dancers with masks representing ancestors and various spirits and forces of Nature in dramatic and often vigorous dances.
Splendidly sculpted and brightly colored mask are worn on the face and resting on the top of the head is supported by a web of cords woven through the sides of the mask at the back of the dancer’s head. Due to its size and height it requires great skill on the part of the wearer to keep it upright while being danced. The mask is divided into a number of separate but related sections. The  OVAL face is divided by a sculpted vertical centerline with round  eyes on either side.  Antelope figure and horns from the mask are typical and majestically extend up, reach upwards from the top of the face and a female figure is carved in front   The female figure is dynamically carved and is especially strong when seen from the side. Nice carving on backs shown. This was picked up by the family I connected with either in the 60s or 70s during various travels. I collected quite a few masks and artifacts and downsizing.
A rare centerpiece for any collection, especially in this size and quality. I cannot authenticate the age (whether vintage or really antique). Research into a few like pieces show it can be either. No breaks, cracks, or repairs. Please feel to ask questions or request additional photo angles.
Feel free to ask any questions or additional photo angles.
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