Plank mask (part a) with circular face and tall, vertical superstructure. The white face has two widely spaced concentric circle eyes, and a small tubular mouth, both within a ring of repeating red triangles. There is a black with red tip downward-curving projection attached to the diamond-shaped panel above the head. Diamond-shaped panels connect both ends of the long rectangular board. The board is painted with geometric and zoomorphic shapes in black or dark red on a white background. Surmounted by a crescent-shape. Long brown plant fibre hair (part b) is attached across the back of the face mask, and hangs down.

• History Of Use

  Adopted from the neighbouring Nunuma and Winiama peoples in the early twentieth century, the nwantantay masks are performed at initiation ceremonies, funerals, and secular entertainments. Vigorous, competitive performers grip a rope fastened along the mask’s back using their teeth, twisting and repeatedly tilting the towering plank, while twirling long fibre costumes to imitate their associated insect spirits. Composed of a circular face and upper plank, surmounted by a crescent moon, dense design elements proliferate with meaning: eyes reference owls; upturned beaks refer to hornbills, birds that are especially rich in nyama; checker-board patterns evoke the black and white hides sat on by elders and youths, respectively; while other symbols signify lineage affiliation.

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• Type of Item mask
• Culture Bwa
• Material wood, paint, plant fibre
• Measurements height 192.7 cm, width 29.6 cm, depth 24.6 cm (part a) height 66.4 cm, width 33.9 cm (part b)

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• Previous Owner Richard Tchuemegne
• Received from Richard Tchuemegne, Michael O'Brian Family Foundation, Museum of Anthropology Exhibitions Budget

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• Made in Burkina Faso

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• Ownership Date before February 5, 2020
• Acquisition Date on February 5, 2020

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• Condition fair
• Accession Number 3420/0030