Hyena mask

Hyena mask

20th century

Swarms of animal characters help Mossi families at funerals and other times of disturbance. A rooster struts in and rapidly bobs its head up and down, back and forth. A hyena chases after spectators who might bother the family, striking them with sticks. Antelopes prance in with vigorous steps and set their costumes spinning and twisting.

Wood, pigments

Height: 10 in. (25.4 cm)

Gift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb

2012.29.12

Provenance: Tony Bill (producer of The Sting, 1973) collection, Los Angeles, CA; Tookalook Gallery (Dave DeRoche), Montreal, Canada

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Not currently on view

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