Māori, Oceanic & African Art Tuesday, 8 October 2024 - 5:00 PM start
A Bwa/Bobo Butterfly Mask
Realised: $1,000 plus premium
Lot Details
Burkina Faso Classic butterfly form with intricate geometrical patterns richly coloured with red, black and kaolin pigments. These masks are worn in front of the face and attached with a thick rope which the dancer holds in his mouth. This mask would be worn during agricultural festivals where the dancers would mimic the motion of a butterfly. Just before a rainfall it is said that swarms of butterflies appear. This dance is made in hope the gods will cause rain to fall on the newly Planted field. Provenance: private collection of Michael Yoffe. L 207cm
