Location:	New York
Type:	African Loniake Two Headed Bird Mask
Tribe:	Tusyan or Tusya or Toussian
Country:	Burkina Faso
Materials:	Wood, beads, heavy pigments
Age:	Late 20th Century
Dimensions:	13"x9"x4" (HxWxD)
Weight	2 lbs

 

This item is SOLD!

 

Mask is in excellent condition with no apparent repairs.

 

The Toussian are a small group living in the Southwestern part of Burkina Faso neighboring the more famous Senoufo/Senufo. This type of mask, usually made by blacksmiths, was used in initiation ceremonies. It is made of one, more or less square piece of hardwood, very two-dimensional, named Loniake. Two diagonals are indicated with incrusted red seeds. On top comes the head of two big birds (the Calao) that symbolize the spirit of the clan / totem of the initiated boys.

 

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