A 'Bolo' helmet mask from the Bobo people,
Burkina Fasso. Wood, 60 cm high. A great example of a 'Bolo' or blacksmith's mask, worn during celebrations, initiation rites, and funerals in Bobo communities. Blacksmiths have unique position in many Sub-Saharan societies; they are considered supernatural men who possess associations with invisible spirits and mysterious powers inaccessible to common people. Due to this intermediary position between the earthly and spirit realms, only blacksmiths possess the secret knowledge and strength to create a wooden mask and mediate its powerful forces. In performances, the 'Bolo' function both as entertainment and for moral storytelling, considered more sacred. (VJ)
Provenance:
Private French collection.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
28.06.2023 - 15:32
- Estimate:
-
EUR 3,800.- to EUR 4,500.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 3,000.-
A 'Bolo' helmet mask from the Bobo people,
Burkina Fasso. Wood, 60 cm high. A great example of a 'Bolo' or blacksmith's mask, worn during celebrations, initiation rites, and funerals in Bobo communities. Blacksmiths have unique position in many Sub-Saharan societies; they are considered supernatural men who possess associations with invisible spirits and mysterious powers inaccessible to common people. Due to this intermediary position between the earthly and spirit realms, only blacksmiths possess the secret knowledge and strength to create a wooden mask and mediate its powerful forces. In performances, the 'Bolo' function both as entertainment and for moral storytelling, considered more sacred. (VJ)
Provenance:
Private French collection.
Specialist: Joris Visser
Joris Visser
+32-2-514 00 34
Joris.Visser@dorotheum.com
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| Auction: | Tribal Art |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 28.06.2023 - 15:32 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 24.06. - 28.06.2023 |