Bull Mask Item Number: 2736/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Round, two-part, white, black and red painted bull mask with natural horns and cow hide at top has foam lining attached with nails. Green bottle glass eyes surrounded with cow hide (painted white in places) stare upwards, a piece of hair is attached at the backof the head between the ears, and there is a square opening below the chin. Several lengths of green synthetic rope are wound and bound around the neck joins, others emerge from inside through nostrils and holes in the head, ot one of which is attached a piece of lead, a stick and a grass bundle at the end.
History Of Use
Bijogo society is stratified into seven age grades, at least four of which are associated with specific masquerades. Only by completing the full cycle of initiation are deceased adults able to avoid becoming wandering spirits and able to unify themselves with the creator deity. These heavy bovine masks, duyn’be, are used during a mid-level age grade, cabaro, and express the similarity between the wild temperament of post-adolescent males and the strength and fury of oxen before they are tamed.
Item History
- Made in Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
- Owned by Art Africa before April 20, 2009
- Received from Art Africa (Seller) and U.B.C. Office of the Provost (Funding source) on April 20, 2009
What
- Name
- Bull Mask
- Identification Number
- 2736/3
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- glass, metal, lead metal, synthetic fibre, sisal fibre, polyurethane foam, grass, wood, paint, cow horn and cow skin
- Overall
- height 46.5 cm, width 56.0 cm, depth 35.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Bijogo
- Previous Owner
- Art Africa
- Received from
- Art Africa (Seller) and U.B.C. Office of the Provost (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Bissagos Islands, Guinea-Bissau
When
- Ownership Date
- before April 20, 2009
- Acquisition Date
- on April 20, 2009
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2736/0003