Newenka Mask

Bobo · Burkina Faso

Reference: MFG-87

View 1 of 3 · Press the image to enlarge

Height
141 cm
Material
Wood and pigments

The Neweka mask is a mask belonging to the blacksmith caste of the Bobo Fing and used mainly in mourning uprisings and in Sibe rites. This…

Enquire about this object
Full original description

The Neweka mask is a mask belonging to the blacksmith caste of the Bobo Fing and used mainly in mourning uprisings and in Sibe rites. This ceremony is meant to teach the deceased the way of the afterlife.

The Sanu blacksmiths are the founding members of the Sibe triad and celebrate a cult common to the three figures of the Dwo, the spirit embodied in the mask of leaves. These three figures are the Kwele Dwo, Dwosa and Sibe DwoAt the end of the sacrifices on the altar of patama dwoThere are many sacrifices and offerings that are made throughout these rites in which only the blacksmith caste can participate and in which the Newenka mask plays an important role.

Very old patina.

Further technical information
Width
42 cm
Attributed period
Century XIX.

Details transcribed from the original catalogue; they are not a recent physical inspection.

Country on the map

Burkina Faso. The country associated with the catalog is shown, not the current location of the piece.

Google Maps is loaded only when you press the button.

Attributions, dates and accounts come from the preserved catalogue. They do not constitute certification of authenticity or provenance. An object’s presence on this website does not mean it is available for sale.

← Back to results