Nuna animal spirit masks depict the
nature spirits associated with powerful animals The masks are owned by families and clans
who enlist the spirits to help and protect them. Dancing these masks on market days and at
funerals and initiation ceremonies honors the spirits and brings forth their blessings
Doyo masks of the Bwa and Nuna of Burkina Faso
represent various types of animals- wild boars, antelopes, buffaloes, fish and
birds. They perform with plank masks with bird like features, also called
multi-storied, and a tall mask imitating the skeleton of the mythical boa. Each mask
has a special name to the people.
Accompanied by dumatonu drums, the multi-storied
plank masks perform a dance. The boards are held in front of the face while the dancers
are covered with a costume made of dyed plant fibers. Stakes held by the animals dancers
represent the front legs of the animal.
The masks represent a borrowing of ideas from other
surrounding cultures. Many similarities may be found between the Bwa, Bobo and Nuna
masks.
Learn more about the Bwa of Burkina Faso.
