THE BOBO PLANK MASK

THE BOBO PLANK MASK is a traditional mask of the Bwa ethnic group of Burkina Faso. Each mask represents the protective nature of the spirits of a particular family clan. The zig-zag lines in the mask represent the path one must take to overcome adversity. The circular face below represents the sun with the eyes of an owl, and the crescent at the top represents the moon. The curved form protruding from the mask represents the beak of the scared hornbill bird, a bird of prophecy in the culture of the Bwa. (KS)