ipernity: Mask Festivals by Sergio Pessolano

Western Africa Mask Festivals

The Masks Festival in Burkina Faso is held every two years on the last Saturday in March. It is a presentation by many villages. In the year 2006 the Rotary Club from Canada and USA gave 5 million CFAs to build a museum which is in the planning stage. There are 2 big regions: Pouni and Zamo.
Ethnic group, majority Gourounsi, also Peul, Bobo, and Mossi. Instead of rotating villages they built a grandstand and field only for the masks. The dance is run by the Association des Amis de Masques. First came a big mask, the stick policeman, then every group. Many masks were of wild animals, even one gorilla. They show the behavior of the animal first; then the spiritual power. Gorilla first, had green fruit, not ripe; this shows gathering and power.
In Gourounsi tradition before you get married you must pay the family to show financial responsibility by bringing a gift of a large wild animal, a buffalo, antelope, or crocodile. This shows bravery. We can see one buffalo mask with a small bird on top. This represents the strong and the weak, superiority. The dowery must also have one domestic animal. This shows you want your wifein the house. Domestic animals - cock and rabbit were wild at one time. Long masks with statues of women on top, show activities of ladies. Art often represents ladies because they work hard. They are mysterious human beings because of birth and babies etc.
If a mask falls or breaks the wearer should go in exile. Means spirits are angry with him. (in past the mask would be killed). He must leave with all family members. The flute, drum etc. all have significance. There are connections between drummer and dancer. Different rhythms are for different animals. Why wear a mask? To give service or honor to the spirit, or for good luck and respect. Masks used in initiations, funerals, and thanksgiving. A mask wearer does not change animals.