The Bobo tribe is comprised of several sub-
tribes: the Black Bobo, the Red Bobo, and the
White Bobo. Their art is mostly in the form of
masks used in agricultural rites, and most
documented examples come from the Black Bobo
who apparently practiced two different styles,
one depending on abstract geometric forms
often two dimensional, enhanced with red, white,
and black paint, the other in the form of egg-
shaped helmet masks. This stunning mask is a
large, abstract rendition of a human face with
two curved horn-like structures forming a circle
on top of the head. In conjunction with the
beautiful abstract style, its simple lines of the
rectangular face and body create graceful
aesthetic qualities. The deep red and white
stripes of the mask leave a great impression in
our minds. This exceptionally large mask
perhaps had an important function in agricultural
rites and rituals. We wonder about what the mask
signified, and how magical the rituals must have
been, with this large, colorful mask moving and
dancing.
- (PF.3175)
|
