Origin: Nuna / Bobo ethnic group, Burkina Faso

The masks of the Nuna people are characterized by a geometric ornament. There are two main types of masks used by the Nuna peoples - the wankr and the namu. The sacred masks (wankr) are said to have descended from heaven and only participate in important ceremonies. When not worn, they serve as sacrificial altars. Exposed masks only dance on ritual occasions.

Other masks (Wamu) like this one are created by villagers for specific purposes. The animal masks dance by imitating the movements of the animal itself.

All masks can be used for ghost summoning, boys' initiation ceremonies, village cleansing, or fortune-telling.

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The purchase is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture, National Heritage and Sport as part of the National Institute of Museums and Collections' own program "Expansion of museum collections".