Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bobo-style blacksmith-carver / possibly early 1900s
Ram Mask (Bolo)
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Ram Mask (Bolo) as mask (Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bobo-style blacksmith-carver · possibly early 1900s).
The mask was vividly painted while in use. Look closely at its surface to see traces of blue, red, and white paint.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this mask as Wood and paint.
The museum's collection notes: Bolo masks are primarily danced for entertainment during communal occasions like funerals, male initiations, and harvest celebrations. Comprising both animal and human features, the mask––always worn by a male dancer––refers to the cultural significance of the ram, an animal associated with male aggression across sub-Saharan Africa.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtRam Mask (Bolo)Original explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.