Mama Mask
late 19th - 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
13 x 6 x 21 1/2in. (33 x 15.2 x 54.6cm)
Gift of Mark Groudine and Cynthia Putnam, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
2003.102
Photo: Paul Macapia