Product Description

Mossi Wan Nyaka (Antelope)
Burkino Faso
Carved and poychromed wood, circa 1950
48 x 12 x 13cm

Wan-Nyakaí means little antelope and the masks
occupy an important position in the religious life of the ëNyonyoseí, the ancient farmers & spiritual segment of the Mossi society. Masks appeared at burials to observe on behalf of the ancestors that proper burial procedures were carried out. Masks attended to honor the deceased & to verify that the spirit of the deceased merited admission into the world of ancestors. Masks are still very sacred, & are a link to the spirits of ancestors & of nature occupying an important position in the religious life of the ëNyonyoseí, the ancient farmers & spiritual segment of the Mossi society.