Ethereum

Bedu Mask

Collection

Untitled Collection #252906009

Description

Nafana, the Kulango and the Degho people who use Bedu masks are found at the North Eastern part of Cote d’ Voire and the Western Part of Ghana. Bedu means (meaning 'moon'). This mask represents the physical manifestation of a domesticated buffalo-like spirit animal. These Masks are the largest on the African continent. Masquerades use the mask in dances in male and female pairs. The masks are used to protect the villagers from danger, encourage fertility and to perform dances to educate the community on socially acceptable behavior. Bedu masks were suppressed by the colonial authorities beginning 1925. They considered this visually forceful artistic tradition and masquerade ceremony subversive. Why? These large scale masks required enormous stamina and physical strength to wear and were danced in masquerades for hours only by the strongest of young men and women. These feats of endurance drew an excitement and awe from the assembled throng. This demonstration of identity, pride in the village unity was discouraged by the colonialists. This mask is from the Nouna village of Tigan, between Koudougou and Dedougou. As is the case throughout Burkina Faso, masks represent protective spirits and are always closely associated with the spirits of ancestors, and who can take human, animal, or even monstrous forms. Masks are used on several occasions throughout the dry season from October to May, but they chiefly appear at the funerals of elders and at annual village cleansing ceremonies, when malevolent supernatural spirits are chased out from the village.

Token

Contract: 0x495f...7b5e
Token ID: 61396957793899405302992356984256111560795826199471978583207828753805612154882

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