Rare ancient Mossi mask – Burkina Faso – early 20th century

Ancient mask from the Mossi people, originating from Burkina Faso, from a private collection. A large piece sculpted from dense wood, accompanied by old plant fibres forming a headdress and original surround, giving the whole a strong and unique sculptural presence. The surface shows a deep patina, marked by time, with light and dark pigments whose contrasts have been softened by use. The visible marks on the wood, the edges, and the interior testify to an old object, shaped and worn, preserved without restoration or alteration. With its proportions, verticality, and character, this mask is part of the great tradition of Mossi masks from the late 19th to early 20th century, a time when these works accompanied rites, ceremonies, and foundational narratives. A rare and authentic object, both an ethnographic work and an exceptional decorative piece, capable of transforming a space by its mere presence. Ideal for a characterful interior, a private collection, or display on a pedestal. Sold without a pedestal. Sold as is, respecting its history. Dimensions: approximately 75 × 23 × 23 cm (height × width × depth).