Monkey Mask - Gurunsi (Nunuma?) - Burkina Faso - SOLD

Price: $0.00


 


The word Grurunsi is a collective term for several smaller groups including the Nuna, Nunuma, Lela, and Winiama. The Gurunsi believe in a supreme creator god called Yi. An aspect of Yi, called Su, is incarnated in all masks. The power of Su can be called upon to benefit the community or to harm enemies. The masks represent bush spirits and take the form of animals. They are danced in a very stylized and expressive way, imitating the behavior of the animals they represent. The masks are danced in a variety of ceremonies including village purifications, funerals, initiations, fertility rites, and entertainment. The monkey symbolizes destruction. 10.5"H x 7"W x 6.5"D