The Cleveland Museum of Art Special Exhibitions Gallery of Sub-Saharan African Art

  Gallery of Sub-Saharan African Art > Curator's Highlight Tour > Bush Buffalo Mask
 
 
Image of <I>Bush Buffalo Mask</I>, early–mid 1900s<br>Burkina Faso or Mali, possibly Bwa people <br>Wood, fibers <br>Gift of Katherine C. White 1969.2
Bush Buffalo Mask, early–mid 1900s
Burkina Faso or Mali, possibly Bwa people
Wood, fibers
Gift of Katherine C. White 1969.2

Bush Buffalo Mask

Masks like this one represent protective bush spirits, characterized by human, animal, and fantastic traits.

The horns and muzzle of this mask identify it as a bush buffalo. Holding two wooden canes in his hands, suggesting the animal’s forelegs, the masked dancer would imitate the buffalo’s vigorous movements.

Dancers wearing headpieces of this type appear during the dry season on the occasion of initiations, funerals of elders, market days, harvest celebrations, and annual renewal rituals.

During renewal rituals the individuals wearing these maskrs are responsible for chasing away evil spirits and safeguarding the well-being of the community, while thanking the good spirits and the ancestors for their benevolent support.

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