This Molo mask, from the Bobo people from Burkina Faso, pays homage to the buffalo indicated by the curved horns. A greatly feared animal, the cape buffalo represents strength and is a symbol of the community leader. The rounded top of this mask is a helmet that fits over the head of the wearer, with the horns rising up and the large rectangle of the buffalo’s face extending down. The mask was probably worn during a ritual or festival by a blacksmith, craftsman, or other person of distinction of the Do society.
The painted designs on each Bobo mask are unique, thus no two masks are the same. On this mask the tall curving horns are painted in alternating bands of red and white. On the face, on either side of the long nose ridge, is a symmetrical design of red, blue, and white triangles. This mask, covered entirely with geometric designs, would be freshly painted before each ceremony.
The creation of a large mask is a long task, rooted in tradition. It begins with chopping down a small tree and carving out half of its trunk lengthwise in order to expose the finest and freshest grain of the wood. The pigments used to decorate the mask come from natural sources such as plants and minerals.
Bobo masks represent plant-like beings, birds, animals, humans, and combinations of these. Worn with costumes made of leaves and knotted plant fibers, masks help master the forces of nature that threaten life-sustaining food crops. They are worn for several types of events, including ceremonies that are performed to appease the spirits of the ancestors and the spirits of nature; special ceremonies such as funerals, seasonal festivals, and the ritual purification of the village; and ceremonies initiating young men into societies, such as the Do society. For additional information about African masks, see the Ekpeye Pangolin Headdress.
Masks are carved by specially trained craftsmen in the village, who typically do other specialized handcrafts such as ironworking. These people enjoy a higher social status than farmers or other laborers.
