Description: Most Bwa people are still traditional animists, and conduct ceremonies based on the myths that recount the founding of each clan. Each of these myths is recreated by the performance of the wooden masks that represent bush spirits, or spirits that take animal forms. Animal masks imitate in a very stylized but expressive way, the actions, behavior, or character of the animals that they represent. The warthog darts rapidly around the performance area frequently scurrying through great clouds of dust raised by its dance.
Provenance: Ex. Deaccession from High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia.
Dimensions: 16" height x 11" width x 7 1/2" depth