Bwa Serpent Mask (Doho), Burkina Faso

William Wright, New York
Allan Stone, New York, acquired from the above on March 8, 1990

Very good condition for an object of this age, rare type, material, and dimensions. Marks, nicks, scratches, abrasions and small chips consistent with age and use. Minor age cracks. The vertical extension is complete, with three areas of thickened pigment, possibly representing well-restored breaks or reinforced age cracks. Fine aged surface with crusty remains of black, red, and white pigment. Pigment refreshed in some places.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

In her discussion of a closely related Bwa serpent mask at the occasion of the exhibition Genesis: Ideas of Origin in African Sculpture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, LaGamma (2002: 62-63) notes: "The awesome vertical extension of the serpent mask, whose undulations project high into the sky, is unparalleled among Bwa masquerade genres. The serpentine rippling effect of the form is dramatized in performance as the dancer twists his head rapidly from side to side."

Christopher Roy (1987: 268) elucidates the mythological origin of the serpent masquerade: "Many years ago the men of Dossi raided a neighboring village and were routed. An elder from Dossi hid from his vengeful pursuers in the burrow of a great serpent, saying to the serpent that he was not there to harm it but to save his own life. He was forced to hide for two market weeks, during which time the serpent brought game to the burrow for the elder to eat. When, eventually, the elder returned to Dossi, he consulted a diviner, who told him to carve a mask and to respect the serpent as a protective spirit."