Monkey Mask - Nuna People, Burkina Faso

Thomas Wheelock notes that in his book Land of the Flying Masks (ibid., p. 394), "Monkey masks are often the lead masks in Nuna dance groups. As lead masks, the responsibility for conducting blood sacrifices may fall to them. The emphasis on the mouth and teeth yields a ferocity, which is further enhanced by its attribute, a bludgeon, with which some sacrifices are said to be executed."

The 14 ½" heavy stone club carried by the dancer is itself sacred as is witnessed by the heavy sacrificial encrustations.We have the actual bludgeon and it is included in the price.

Consistent feature throughout the Gurunsi/Bwa/Samo are the geometric red, black and white surface decoration on the masks. (The Nuna fall within the Gurunsi group).

Height 23 ½" x Width 9 ½" x Depth 9".
On its 6" square metal stand it is 32" in height.