****This item was on display May 8 - June 29, 2012 : "Indigenous Peoples and Food Sovereignty" An exhibition in recognition of Indigenous Peoples on the occasion of the Eleventh Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Visitor's Lobby, General Assembly Building, UN Headquarters, NYC. ****

The Nafana are part the Gurunsi collective. They are a small group whose population is found mainly in Burkina Faso. Their arts adhere to the Burkina traditions of opposing colors and geometric patterns. Primarily hunters and fishermen, they are well-known for their huge and splendidly decorated vertical plank masks. These masks, carved from one piece of native wood, which can exceed 8 feet in height, are known as "bedu." The bedu have the power of fertility and are brought out during harvest festivals where they are used by young men dancing in pairs. Being multi functional, these towering structures are also believed to rid the village of evil forces and aid in the general well being of the tribe. References have been made as to the structural components which can represent anything from the sun and the moon to sexual genitalia.

Please click photo for enlargement!

This exact mask has been sold. Masks like this one and a variety of other Nafara Bedu Masks will be available soon.

Dimensions: 65 inches tall x 24 1/2 inches across its widest point. 

Any QUESTIONS or to be placed on our reserve list for this item please leave a message here at Contact Us!

Wt: 25 lbs. Special cost saving shipping will apply.