TUSSIAN, BURKINA FASO
WOOD, PIGMENTS, HEIGHT 70CM

These plank masks, called Loniake, are unique to the tussian in southwestern Buekina Faso. During initiation ceremonies, the initiate wears complete head and body covers based on his personal traits, in this case a bird. He then imitates his animal namesake as close as possible, the bird initiate will spread his arms like wings while the warthog mask will roll in the mud and grunt.