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Monumental Bwa Hawk Moth Ceremonial Mask, Hand-Carved and Painted, Burkina Faso

$3,500
£2,644.45
€3,031.98
CA$4,884.65
A$5,314.87
CHF 2,814.16
MX$63,941.56
NOK 35,733.56
SEK 32,693.70
DKK 22,653.08

About the Item

This monumental ceremonial Hawk Moth mask is an exceptional example of traditional Bwa artistry from Burkina Faso, West Africa. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood and painted with bold geometric patterns in natural pigments, the mask displays striking graphic presence and remarkable craftsmanship. Measuring an impressive 27 inches high, 78 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, it embodies the dramatic scale often associated with Bwa ceremonial works. Created by the Bwa people, this oversized mask would have been worn during important tribal ceremonies and initiation rituals. The abstract hawk moth motif—an iconic symbol within Bwa visual culture—represents transformation, spiritual protection, and the connection between ancestral forces and the living world. Its rhythmic patterns and dynamic proportions emphasize movement, energy, and ritual power. Visually commanding and culturally significant, this large-scale mask stands out as both an ethnographic artifact and a sculptural work of art. Its presence makes it ideal for collectors of African tribal art, museum-quality objects, and impactful wall-mounted sculpture. A rare and dramatic piece, it brings depth, history, and visual intensity to any curated space.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 78 in (198.12 cm)Depth: 10 in (25.4 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    20th Century
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 270541stDibs: LU1004644680402

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