This item is part of the Johnston/Young Collection. It is featured in the book "Afrika Traditional and Modern African Art." The Bwa of Mali and Burkina Faso are surrounded by the Bamana in north, the Bobo in the west, the Marka in the east and the Gurunsi and Lobi in the south. Each Bwa village is directed by a council of elders. From the 18th century on the Bwa were victims of aggression on the part of the neighboring Bamana empire then of the Peul empire. This warring brought on the mass destruction of villages, harvests and slavery. The arrival of the French in 1897 brought and end to those tribal conflicts. The French invaders imposed their own idea of organization once their authority was solidly in place which took the form of high taxes, forced labor and the termination of communal fields. These actions brought about the revolt of 1914 which lasted for two years and annihilated the land of the Bwa almost completely. Prior to the disintegration of the Bwa culture and subsequently after their revitalization; socially the Bwa are divided into three endogamous professional classes or castes: farmers, blacksmiths and griots (musicians who recount historical information through song.)The spiritual life of the Bwa is based on worship devoted to Do the son of God and the founding ancestors. The Doyo mask on display is worn in the honor of Do at the time of agrarian rituals and funerals. The mask is associated with ancient wisdom and represent animal spirits that the Bwa have encountered. These affable entities are thought to watch over and protect the villagers. The Doyo offered has been well preserved and is in fabulous condition from the top head crest to its beak tipped end. The tell tale concentric incised Bwa design patterns are precise and the natural pigments brilliant. The construction is sharp and well designed. This estate mask was acquired in Africa during WWll and transferred to the Johnston/Young Collection in 1996. Please click photo for enlargement! See other pictures below. Sold When OFFLINE click button to leave a message! Dimensions: 43 inches tall x 9 3/4 inches wide x 6 inches deep. Wt: 25 lbs. Item J/Y 6 FrontPlease click photo for enlargement! SidePlease click photo for enlargement! HeadPlease click photo for enlargement! BackPlease click photo for enlargement! The WarehousePlease click here for new arrivals. The Curators GalleryPlease click here for exclusive high grade selections.