Mask
20th century
The head of a Cape buffalo has been interpreted into a series of geometric shapes. Adapting the image of a burly slow-moving animal into a masquerade, carvers capture the swirling strength of its horns, completing the costume with a suit of tufted raffia. Energetic as a charging buffalo, the masquerader is called upon to witness appeals for vigorous crop fertility and childbirth.
Wood
9 x 15 1/2 in. (22.9 x 39.4 cm)
Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2002.56
Photo: Susan Cole
