Bolo Crested African Mask, Bobo, Burkina, OLD Start Price USD 850.00 Current Price USD 850.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Sunday, November 23, 2008 End Time Tuesday, December 23, 2008 Location Denver, CO See more about 'Bolo Crested African Mask, Bobo, Burkina, OLD' Description Title: Bolo Crested African Mask Type of Object: Cap and Face Mask (Bolo mask) Ethnic Group: Bobo Country of Origin: Burkina Faso Materials: Wood, pigment Approximate Age: Early 20th Century Dimensions: Height is 17", Width is 6.5", Depth is 8" Overall Condition: Good Crack and chip in the crest, hole, scratches Damage, Repair: Additional Information: This masterful carving of a Bolo mask, represents a human with a large vertical crest and with finely designed geometric patterns along the side of the face, on the forehead, nose and at the top of the crest. The half-closed protruding eyes were painted with white coloring material at one point that has been worn off through time and use, but enough remains to give it a dramatic look. The narrow pinched mouth almost seems bird-like in its shape. The Bolo masks danced by the Bobo people of present day Burkina Faso are used to entertain the townspeople and, in addition to their human appearance, are often seen as an antelope, monkey or ram. When they dance, they are covered by a black or red dyed grass costume from the lower edges of the mask, where the costume would be attached, to ultimately cover the dancers body to their feet. This Bolo mask shows obvious wear on the sides and the holes where the costume was attached and on the inner surfaces of the mask where it was worn smooth through long use. This is a classic example of Bobo mask, well-carved and well-used with dramatic sculptural flair.Further Reading: Roy, Christopher. "Art of the Upper Volta Rivers". 1987. Pg. 336-342.I have examined this piece and agree with the descriptionNiangi Batulukisi, PhD. **005184** All content, including pictures, Copyright Africa Direct Inc., 2006 Add Us To Your Favorite Sellers! Please visit our About Us page. Place a Bid!