Masque, Mossi, Burkina Faso

William Wright, New York
Collection Thomas G.B. Wheelock, New York

Publications:
Anderson & Solomon, "Discovering a Culture" in Living with Art, 1988 : 119
Roy & Wheelock, Land of Flying Masks, 2007, n° 106

Good condition overall; wear consistent with age and use within the culture. Considerable wear to the edges of the mask, with losses and damage at the top and bottom, as partly visible in the catalogue illustration. Fine encrusted patina.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cet ancien masque wan-silga (ou « masque de l'épervier ») relève d'un style développé dans le sud-ouest du pays Mossi (ancien royaume de Ouagadougou), chez les Mossi Sukomsé. Dans une rigueur géométrique confinant à l'abstraction – accentuée par les motifs polychromes envahissant la surface -, l'oiseau n'est identifié que par les lignes cinglantes du bec sculpté à l'aplomb de la face épannelée et de l'étroite crête sagittale.

Mossi falcon mask, Burkina Faso

This old wan-silga mask (or 'hawk mask') is in a style which developed in the south-west of the Mossi country (the old kingdom of Ouagadougou) amongst the Mossi sukomsé. With a geometric rigour that verges on abstraction the bird is identifiable by the sharp lines of the beak, which emerges from the bottom of the narrow head-crest. The mask's sculptural quality is emphasised by the register of geometric motifs that cover the surface.