The animal, in this case a rooster, which is the
totem of a Mossi clan is inseperable from the souls of the living clan
members (Sigha) and from the souls of the clan's ancestors (Kyma).
Made from wood, pigment and kaolin
from the Ouagadougou style region.
When a member of a clan addesses his Sigha he is addressing both the
animal-totem and the souls of his ancestors.
The "Ouango" or dance
masks usually represent the head of an animal in this style area. They are worn
slanting on the forehead.
Most are not provided with eyeholes, but are
abstract representations of animals.
Ex. Eugene Netzer, Ex. Scott Rodolitz, Ex. Christopher and Genevieve McConnell collection.
Note, on the inside of the mask there is a number inscribed M513 which may be indicative of Mebel inventory collection number.
Length: 26 ½”
Width: 5 ¾”
Height: 8 ¼”
Stand is not included.
