Minneapolis Institute of Art

Serpent mask

Bwa artist

Date

20th century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Bwa

Department

Arts of Global Africa

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This spectacular mask depicts a serpent, an animal with positive, protective qualities for the West African Bwa people. During masquerade performances, the serpent's head twists rapidly from side to side so that its long, flexible body appears to undulate - an effect reinforced by the irregular zigzag design of its towering, 13 foot tall structure. Harvest celebrations, funeral rites, initiation ceremonies, and community events all provide occasions for public masquerades. Accompanied by men's drumming and women's singing, the male dancers bring their acrobatic strength and choreographic skills to the performance. Burkina Faso

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