Title: Hombo Mask
Material: Wood and pigment
People: Bwa
Country: Burkina Faso
Description: There is a segment of the Bwa Society called
the Kaani, who makes up the endogamous blacksmith caste.
The Kaani society of the smiths offer sacrifices to the 'Hombo'
spirit that protects them. This spirit is represented in the
'Kobiay' mask, which is a rooster with a very large rounded
crest atop its head.
The smiths of the Didiro clan, in Hounde, first encountered
the Hombo spirit when they were forced to flee their home
village. Escaping, they were trapped at the edged of a swamp
where they came across the swamp spirit named 'Hombo.' The
spirit allowed them to cross but destroyed their pursuers. In
annual celebrations to commemorate this event, the Kobiay
masks are performed within the smith's neighborhood.
Dimensions: 12 1/4"H x 9"W x 9"D
