The Mossi are today the largest single Ethnic Group living in Burkina Faso. They are renowned for their Masquerade Dances and their use of large superbly sculpted and brightly painted masks and colorful costumes. Among the Mossi Villages, Elders are highly honored with elaborate Funerals and the appearance of masked dancers with masks representing Ancestors and various Spirits and Forces of Nature in dramatic and often vigorous dances.
Sculpted Figures known as Ninande (pl.) have a number of functions. This stylized sculpted Female Figure has an classic Mossi sculptural facial and body-lines and a strong neck. The high crested hairstyle is a version of "Gyonfo" coiffure worn by Females among the Mossi. In general, Figures are identified with local Chieftains and Clan Elders during Ceremonies reinforcing local political relationships and Chiefly Authority. Figures are also used at Funerals and are in some areas buried with the Elder. During yearly public Ceremonies, Figures, honoring Ancestors will have clothes wrapped around their waists similar to clothes worn by Mossi Women.
The Female Figures represent an Ideal of Beauty and Power as a visual presentation of Feminine Strength and are honored accordingly. Lit.: Christopher D. Roy / Thomas G.B. Wheelock: Land of the Flying Masks. Art and Culture in Burkina Faso. The Thomas G. B. Wheelock Collection, Prestel 2007.
A Mossi Female Sculpture, origin Burkina Faso, standing on large wedge-shaped feet beneath bent legs leading to prominent buttocks and supporting a slender torso, with tapering, hanging breasts, rounded sloping shoulders, the arms slightly bent forward, an elongated cylindrical neck supporting a spherical head, a slightly open mouth beneath a slender nose and heavy lidded eyes, a striated single crested coiffure, the figure displays decorative tribal scarification marks in accentuated lines and on the face in the form of an arrow pointing upwards.
Measurements: 29cm
Condition: Fair;brown patina, traces of age and ritual use, partly eroded.
