{"product_id":"toussian-calao-mask-burkina-faso-african-tribal-art-2","title":"Toussian Calao Mask, Burkina Faso - African Tribal Art","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSale Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEthnic group: Toussian\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCountry\/region: Burkina Faso, West Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 63x33 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperience: Place your full trust in our solid experience in tribal art\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ein Africa. Active and recognized seller on eBay since 2006!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription of the Piece\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Toussian calao mask is an emblematic and major piece of traditional art from the South-West of Burkina Faso. Meticulously carved from hardwood, it consists of a flat plank surmounted by one or two calao(s), a totemic bird considered sacred. In their authentic style, these masks often incorporate complementary elements such as vegetable fibers, nails, and cowrie shells.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRitual Use and Symbolism\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThese zoomorphic wooden masks are strictly reserved for initiation rites and play an important role in regulating social life within the community. Worn by initiates during ritual ceremonies, they serve notably to ward off evil spirits, promote the health of the inhabitants, and solemnly bless agricultural sowing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural and Historical Aspect\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe creators: They are made by blacksmiths, who occupy a central place as guardians of these ancestral traditions and secret techniques.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eArtistic recognition: These large masks are particularly renowned throughout the world for their remarkable graphic elegance. Historically, major figures of modern art like Pablo Picasso also possessed examples in their personal collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"\u0026 Other Stories","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48080711024866,"sku":null,"price":170.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0825\/2201\/3922\/files\/f56ec86d-3235-46bd-8be8-ac7e25a9abbd_8098dea7-5113-4cfe-9c83-6231a66fea88.jpg?v=1784744711","url":"https:\/\/www.alobalo.shop\/products\/toussian-calao-mask-burkina-faso-african-tribal-art-2","provider":"Alobalo ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}