Serpent mask

Object Details

Bwa artist

Label Text

This spectacular wood mask depicts a serpent, an animal associated in Bwa myths with positive, protective qualities. During masquerade performances, the serpent mask twists its head 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 superstructure.

The mask usually appears along with other red, black and white painted animal masks that depict, among other creatures, the bush cow, owl, crocodile and butterfly. Harvest celebrations, funeral rites, initiation ceremonies and community events all provide occasions for public masquerades, which involve the entire community and include song and dance accompanied by flute and xylophone.

To prevent insect damage to the masks, the Bwa generally soak the masks in nearby reservoirs and repaint them annually. This is done as part of male initiation rites, when novices learn about the many different meanings of the red, white and black geometric patterns that embellish the masks.

Description

Wood mask depicting a serpent, carved of a single piece of wood and surmounted by an enormous, tapering superstructure that towers above the face mask. The entire surface is ornamented with incised geometric patterns–triangles, chevrons, zigzags, parallel and crossed lines–and painted with natural white, red and black pigments. The rounded face is that of a composite creature, with protruding, ringed eyes, a raised jagged crest that bisects the face, and a long, open snout. Two triangular-shaped holes, just above the snout, allow the wearer to see. Small pieces of animal hide–perhaps of domestic cattle or goat–are attached just above the eye openings.

Provenance

Jean Berten, Annecy, France

Simba Dium, Geneva, mid-1950s

Michael Oliver, New York, -- to 2000

Exhibition History

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., November 4, 2017-ongoing

African Cosmos: Stellar Arts, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 20-December 9, 2012; Newark Museum, February 26-August 11, 2013; Los Angeles County Museum of Art, August 23-November 30, 2014; Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, Atlanta, January 31-June 21, 2015 (exhibited at NMAfA)

BIG/small, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 17-July 23, 2006

Published References

National Museum of African Art. 2006. BIG/small Family Guide. Exhibition booklet. Washington, D.C.: National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution.

Content Statement

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Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Museum purchase

Early to mid-20th century

Object number

2000-4-1

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Mask

Medium

Wood, pigment, bitumen, hair, plant fiber

Dimensions

H x W x D: 419 x 32.4 x 27.6 cm (164 15/16 x 12 3/4 x 10 7/8 in.)

Geography

Burkina Faso

See more items in

National Museum of African Art Collection

Exhibition

Visionary: Viewpoints on Africa's Arts

On View

NMAfA, Second Level Gallery (2193)

National Museum of African Art

Topic

Funerary

Initiation

Agricultural

snake

Male use

male

Record ID

nmafa_2000-4-1

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys7ff492bcc-b76b-49ac-9bcc-96859815b7cd