LARGE OLD HORNED MOSSI ZAZIAGO MASK

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MOSSI Headdress ZAZAIGO MASK. I COULD GET NO MOSSI STUFF THIS YEAR FROM ANY W SO IF YOU SEE YGOOD SPECIMENS I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUYING THEMNOW IF YOU WANT THEM IN YOUR COLLECTION., ESTIMATED AGE 50 + YEARS OLD 29" LONG EXCELLENT PATINA . AGE CRACKS , WEAR AS EXPECTED The Bwa and Nuna live in the dry savannah land of central Burkina Faso. Like other peoples in this area, the Bwa and Nuna seek the help of powerful spirits who live in the wild forests, bush country, and rivers surrounding their villages. Wishing to control these forces and enlist their help against the powers of destruction, the Bwa and Nuna create masks that make the spirits visible and put them in touch with the people. Nuna animal spirit masks depict the nature spirits associated with such powerful animals as the hawk, buffalo, and crocodile, which live in the forests and rivers near the village. The masks are owned by families and clans who enlist the spirits to help and protect them. Dancing these masks on market days and at funerals and initiation ceremonies honors the spirits and brings forth their blessings. The Mossi are the largest tribe living in Burkina Faso. They number about 3,000.000 and have a centralized governing body, in addition to clans and professional corporations led by elders. The Mossi are closely associated with totemic animals; the relationship that men and animals hold is of a reciprocal dependence and the disgrace or prosperity of one group is reflected also on the other. The karanga masks appear during funeral occasions to accompany the dead to their tombs or, placed on familial altars, they play a role of an instrument of communication with the dead. Their task is also to protect wild plants, whose use is collectively regulated.. They are sedentary Sahel farmers living in mud huts with straw roofs, and have retained animist cult and rituals. They keep the most ancient cultural traditions. The Mossi make both political art and spiritual art. Figures are used by the ruling class to validate political power, and masks are used by the conquered peoples to control the forces of nature. This mask belongs to the group of masks characterized by a range of animal depictions including antelopes, ducks, roosters. The zazaigo masks represent totem animals, which confronted the group's ancestors in the bush. These masks are used at funerals, but also for entertainment. VALUE $ 700.00 + SHIPPING IS $ 32.00 + USA - INSURED $ 46.00 INTERNATIONAL INSURED AIR MAIL SHIPPING *** Please note that all old used Arts will have minor imperfections, chips, age cracks and other minor irregularities.*** If you cannot live with that or want a perfect piece, Please do not bid as old used items are never perfect. I will try my best to point out anything beyond that in my item descriptions. PLEASE READ THE LISTING BEFORE BIDDING . DO NOT BID IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO PAY. Return Policy: All items purchased can be returned for a credit within 14 days if item is not as described - (minus shipping costs) . POLICIES: Buyer prepays, plus shipping and handling. We can not be responsible for lost or damaged product if it is not insured. INSURANCE is available upon request. International postage will vary depending on country. Winning bidders outside of the United States may choose Air (expensive) or Surface Mail (economy parcel post). After the auction has ended, ebay will send you email notification of your winning bid, requesting your shipping information. Upon your reply, due within 3 bu... read more

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