The plank masks
on this page represent those of two seperate tribes, the BOBO
and the BWA, whom share very similar artistically styled plank
masks. The BOBO carve large masks which symbolize animals or
spirits and are worn during ceremonies associated with new crops,
initiations and funerals. The BWA carve polychrome animal masks
in horizontal shapes which symbolize butterflies or hawks. The
BWA also carve another mask called Nwantantay, which has
a circular face with triangular decoration below the mouth and
is surmounted by a large plank with a crescent-shaped motif at
the end. Nwantantay masks were worn during dances accompanying
funerals and for entertainment festivities on market days.
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