Bull Mask Item Number: 2736/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Round, two-part, red and white painted bull mask with natural horns and cow hide at top has foam lining attached with nails. Green bottle glass eyes surrounded with painted white cow hide stare upwards and there is a long rectangular 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, one of which has a fibre bundle toggle 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
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
- 2736/0002