In Mossi society, the male head of a clan often owns a mask that evokes an important being or
animal associated with his family's origin myth. The clan
and its totemic animal are inextricably linked. Totemic
masks like this one are intended to serve as direct lines of
communication between their owners and the founding
members of their extended family.
When the mask was
danced, performers imitated the motions of the animals
their masks depicted.
Height: 24 1/2" x Width: 7 1/2" Depth: 5"
