Bobo people, Burkina Fasso

28 inches, painted wood

Two antelope masks, called Kaan, rest between dances. Their ritual role is to remove any vestiges of negative energy that have accumulated in the community since the last harvest. Having been absolved of misdeeds, the villagers are now free to begin sowing and cultivating in preparation for the approaching rains.

This classic form has become quite popular among collectors, so many are made for sale. But unlike most, this antelope mask has not been antiqued (darkened to make it look old and used). Instead, it has been very carefully painted and left in pristine condition, making it one of the most attractive examples I have ever seen.

$390