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Hyena mask

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Hyena mask

20th century

Burkina Faso , Mossi culture

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: 10in. (25.4cm)
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
location
Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

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