MOSSI WAN-ZEGA MASKS, Burkina Faso

The Mossi Wan-Zega masks below has been vetted as authentic with signs of use and age.


MOSSI
Wan-Zega Mask 3
44" high
$800

Photographs © Hamill Gallery

MOSSI, WAN-ZEGA MASKS, Burkina Faso

"The most common masks of the Eastern (Boulsa) Mossi are the tall masks, worn by adult men, with red fiber costumes called wan-zega ("red mask"). The visible portion of the mask is about 35 cm. long and 20 cm. wide. It is painted white with red surrounds at the eyes. A tall (ca. 100 cm.), thin pole extends from the top of the mask. The pole is covered with a thick layer of long red fibers, and from it hangs a large, heavy sack of traditional medicine which swings freely when the mask dances. The body of the performer is covered with a close-fitting red costume. Wan-zega carry a long knife and a club in the left hand. However, I never saw a mask actually use either of these weapons. Both of these masks carry long, flexible whips made from the branch of a neem tree. The masks frequently strike out at spectators with these whips (sabaga). The semi-cylindrical mask is bisected by a ridge or nose.  The black lines on the mask represent traditional scarification patterns. Parallel slots on each side of the nose allow the performer to see."

----- Website, University of Iowa

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