Ram Mask (Bolo)
possibly early 1900s
Maker Unknown
African Art
Ram Mask (Bolo), possibly early 1900s. Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bobo-style blacksmith-carver. Wood and paint; overall: 45 x 36 x 36 cm (17 11/16 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2016.56 Bolo masks are primarily danced for entertainment during communal occasions like funerals, male initiations, and harvest celebrations. Comprising both animal and human features, the mask––always worn by a male dancer––refers to the cultural significance of the ram, an animal associated with male aggression across sub-Saharan Africa. The mask was vividly painted while in use. Look closely at its surface to see traces of blue, red, and white paint.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Mask
- Formatted Medium
- Wood and paint
- Dimensions
- Overall: 45 x 36 x 36 cm (17 11/16 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in.)
- Departments
- African Art
- Accession Number
- 2016.56
- Credit Line
- René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
- Exhibitions
- Art d’Afrique dans les collections belges, Kunsthaus Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (October 31, 1970 - February 10, 1971)
- Rights Statement
- CC0
- Museum Location
- 108A Sub-Saharan
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