Kobo Antelope (Nyanga) Ceremonial Dance Mask

Originally the Bobo antelope masks were exclusively produced by the local blacksmith until eventually they were adopted by local farmers. Often referred to as the nyanga, antelope masks were used and performed by young Bobo men to mark the passage of numerous initiations and step rituals that would take place over one decade of ceremonies to complete its cycle of achievements.

This mask is depicted as a facial antelope mask with horns and floppy ears, an open mouth and square eyes cut out as peepholes to be worn over the face of the dancer.

Provenance:  The first known American collector was the renowned collector Lawrence P. Kolton and Rachel Angotti of Michigan City, Indiana, between the years of 1969 and 1979.