Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 59

Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59

Photo 1 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 2 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 3 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 4 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 5 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 6 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 7 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
Photo 8 — Déré mask — Gurunsi, Burkina Faso — African tribal art — Ref. 59
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Description

Déré mask of the Gurunsi people, Burkina Faso. This mask impresses with its high central crest and painted geometric motifs, emblematic of Gurunsi spiritual beliefs. The dark wood, combined with a headdress adorned with feathers and fibres, symbolises the link with protective spirits and natural forces. Used during harvest ceremonies or rites of passage, it embodies both community identity and communication with the divine. Déré creations are distinguished by their expressiveness and unique stylisation, testifying to the skill of Gurunsi craftsmen.

Technical details

Type of piece
Masque
Category
Masks
Ethnic group
Gurunsi
Country
Burkina Faso
Materials
wood, natural pigment, feathers, rafia
Dimensions
H 141 × W 13 × D 19 cm
Weight
1,8 kg
Estimated dating
second half 20th c.
Laboratory test
Not tested
Reference
59