West Africa, Burkina Faso, Mossi people, ca. early to mid 20th century CE. A hand-carved wooden antelope effigy headdress, painted with organic white and resinous dark pigments. The animal is incredibly stylized, with tall, pointed ears, eyes that bulge outward and are placed low on the horns, an elongated, hummingbird-like snout, and long, curving horns, their surfaces incised with triangular patterns that give them a nice texture. The head sits on a rounded headdress, its surface studded with perforations to allow it to be sewn onto a costume or strung with raffia or feathers. Mossi artwork often depicts totemic animals associated with different clans; these animals are believed to protect the family from harm. Headdresses like this one were made to be worn at ceremonies or placed onto altars. Size: 6.5" W x 7.9" H (16.5 cm x 20.1 cm)

Provenance: private Illinois, USA collection

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#126552

Surface has a nice aged patina, with light encrustation. One ear is missing. Small cracks on the wood surface.