English: Serpent mask, Bwa peoples, Burkina Faso, Early-mid 20th century, Wood, pigment, bitumen, hair, plant fiber

This spectacular wooden mask depicts a serpent, an animal associated in Bwa myths with positive, protective qualities. During masquerade performances, the serpent mask twists its head rapidly from side to side so that its long, flexible body appears to undulate--an effect reinforced by the irregular zigzag design of its towering superstructure. The mask usually appears along with other red, black and white painted animal masks that depict, among other creatures, the bush cow, owl, crocodile and butterfly. Harvest celebrations, funeral rites, initiation ceremonies and community events all provide occasions for public masquerades, which involve the entire community and include song and dance accompanied by flute and xylophone. To prevent insect damage to the masks, the Bwa generally soak the masks in nearby reservoirs and repaint them annually. This is done as part of male initiation rites, when novices learn about the many different meanings of the red, white and black geometric patterns that embellish the masks.

(National Museum of African Art)