Q: Does anyone know anything about this mask? It’s brass or bronze with an old patina and appears to have been worn over some kind of cloth headdress. Its believed to have come from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso and was bought from a “runner” about twenty-five years ago. It’s about 9 1/2 inches high. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Gary, 751
A: A week ago this was posted on the Yahoo discussion group, African_Arts. It was promptly answered with “It is a Lobi Headdress.” The Lobi are a small ethnic group scattered around Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast in West Africa. When these items are used, and I doubt if its common today, they are worn on the top of the head much like a cap. African traditional art continues to amaze me. A
