Mask with Female Figure and Snake

Mask with Female Figure and Snake

Bobo Culture

The face of this Bobo mask has carefully crafted and detailed features in its calm expression, elaborate hairstyle, downcast eyes, and scarification, all of which indicate ideal feminity and status in Africa. The snake on the plank above the face may represent fertility. The mask also shows clear influence from other cultures. The hairstyle and the shape of the face parallels that of the Senufo Kpellie masks. The female figure at the top of the mask looks much like the Baule ideal spirit-spouse figures, while its placement at the top resembles Bamana N’tomo masks.

Research by Melissa Correnti, 2005, Missouri State University Student. Mentor: Dr. Billie Follensbee

20th

143 cm h. x 33.5 cm w. x 12 cm d.

Sculpture

Wood

Carving

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Stoneman

1985.5

1985

20150043