Cleveland Museum of Art

Ram Mask (Bolo)

Date

possibly early 1900s

Medium

Wood and paint

Culture

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bobo-style blacksmith-carver

Department

African Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

Bolo masks are primarily danced for entertainment during communal occasions like funerals, male initiations, and harvest celebrations. Comprising both animal and human features, the mask––always worn by a male dancer––refers to the cultural significance of the ram, an animal associated with male aggression across sub-Saharan Africa. The mask was vividly painted while in use. Look closely at its surface to see traces of blue, red, and white paint.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.