Kablé buffalo mask-heaume, Toussian, northern Burkina Faso - Lot 51

Lot n° 51
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3500 - 6000 EUR
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Result : 2 800EUR
Kablé buffalo mask-heaume, Toussian, northern Burkina Faso - Lot 51
Kablé buffalo mask-heaume, Toussian, northern Burkina Faso Early 20th century Wood H. 63.5 cm - L. 29 cm Provenance : Dr. Klaus-Jochen Krüger Collection, Berlin, Germany Bibliography : Petridis Constantine. Buffalo Helmets of Tussian and Siemu Peoples of Burkina Faso. African Arts. 2008. A skilful, quasi-architectural arrangement of the elements making up the face. Alternating curved and rectilinear planes, lending harmony and vigor to the composition, this powerful mask expresses all the presence of the spiritual figure contained in the stylized representation of a bovid. Hoisted on a hemispherical helmet, firmly planted on its legs described by four vertical elements, the figure of the buffalo, symbol of prestige, presents itself to us in bold strokes. The formal geometry of the animal's sharp-edged body, extended by a proudly erect vertical tail, is contrasted with the softness of the large curved horns and the rounded contours of the face, animated by two large circular eyes. These Kablé masks are the immaterial incarnations of animals associated with tutelary spirits, whose practices originated in the Do socio-religious initiation society. The buffalo, at the top of the symbolic hierarchy of animal emblems, gives its name to the initiates who honor it as a protective animal, during a great ceremony held every thirty to forty years. During the period of seclusion, the initiates - exclusively men - receive in-depth instruction in the skills inherent to Do society, such as learning the secret Do Wey language, the functions and meanings of masks, and mask carving, while developing their mastery of the dances and movements of their totem animal. Apart from this exceptional event, Kablé masks were worn for funerals, but also for purifying rituals designed to summon the spiritual forces that promote fertility in women and crops. During dedicated celebrations, the village chief would wear the mask-helmet carved with a buffalo while dancing in front of his door. In addition to their symbolic value, Kablè masks also have a highly identity-building function, enabling members of the community to forge links and share knowledge about the world around them.
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