Bush Cow Mask Item Number: 1373/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden carved and painted bush cow mask. Large, protruding, triangular snout; two raised, round eyes; two large horns that curve inwards on top; and two smaller ears that taper to a sharp point behind the horns. Mask has thick band around its perimeter with a line of evenly spaced holes. Decorated with black and white geometric designs, with thin reddish line; inside of snout and ears also painted red.
Iconographic Meaning
Bush cows are thought to be especially rich in nyama (life-force).
Item History
- Made in Burkina Faso
- Owned by Helen Purkis before May 30, 1989
- Received from Helen Purkis (Donor) on May 30, 1989
What
- Name
- Bush Cow Mask
- Identification Number
- 1373/11
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, paint, metal and synthetic fibre
- Overall
- height 41.6 cm, width 23.8 cm, depth 18.9 cm
Who
- Culture
- Bwa
- Previous Owner
- Helen Purkis
- Received from
- Helen Purkis (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Burkina Faso
When
- Ownership Date
- before May 30, 1989
- Acquisition Date
- on May 30, 1989
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1373/0011