The Bobo, and also their neighbours, the Gurunsi and Bwa, have many masks in the form of animals which are stylistically similar to each other: naturally as antelope, buffalo and bird heads, as exist in many other African tribes, but also in more unusual forms of other, entire animals, such as complete, recumbent butterflies, as well as (always in upright format) fish, snakes, crocodiles, entire birds, and chameleons. Here we present a chameleon mask of the Bobo: carved from hard wood and originally coloured black and white. Some lines in relief on the head were originally dyed red. The animal has its typical, curled up tail. Its body is decorated with triangular reliefs, its eyes are round and edged with circles. This conforms not only to the eyes of a chameleon, but also to the carving style of the tribes mentioned above. This chameleon mask does not have openwork eyes. The masked dancer who wore this mask in a full body costume, could not see. For this reason he always carried two sticks and was guided by assistants at his appearances. A highly original piece, with all around good usage patina (also on the inside of the face). No damage. H: 86 cm; (the entire chameleon); W: 21 cm. First half of the 20th century. (ME)

Provenance: German Private Collection.

Lit.: 'Man and his Vision. The Traditional Wood Sculpture of Burkina Faso’ by Esther A. Dagan, cover photo and figs. 20, 22-26, 30-32 (similar objects, but no chameleon).