I have uploaded a new image to my iPhoneography gallery. This is a close up image of a Sun Mask, which emphasis the strong use of geometric design elements and simple, natural colours in the art of the West African people.
Masks like this are incorrectly referred to by many web sites and art galleries as “sun masks” or “rain masks” used by the Bwa or Bobo people in southwest Burkina Faso and southeast Mali. These sites popularise the idea that the Bwa, a traditional farming community, use these masks in purification ceremonies at the end of the dry season to invite ideal conditions for the upcoming planting season. In reality, these masks are a recent artistic creation of the wood carvers from the village of Ouri in Burkina Faso. Their design is a circular disk of wood with a stylised face, consisting of two circular eyes and a vertical nose, surrounded by rigs of black and white triangles representing the rays of the sun.
I invite you to visit the web site of Christopher D. Roy who describes in detail the traditions and beliefs of the Burkinabé tribes, including the Bwa. I am thankful for his efforts in increasing my knowledge on this interesting subject.
Like all images in my iPhoneography gallery, this is image is free to download. Other images on Untamed Lens are available as prints and downloads at prices that vary depending on use. Discount coupons are available. Just contact me.
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