Bwa Dwo Plank Mask

Bwa Dwo Plank Mask (Burkina Faso, West Africa)
This large, geometric plank mask originates from the Bwa people and is deeply rooted in spiritual and agricultural traditions. Known as a Dwo or Do mask, it represents a bush spirit associated with the transmission of farming knowledge and protection of crops.
Cultural Role:
Used in agricultural rites, initiation ceremonies, and funerals, the mask serves as a bridge between the human and spirit realms. Dancers bring the mask to life during rituals, invoking ancestral and natural forces to bless and protect the community.
Material & Symbolism:
Carved from soft wood and painted with natural pigments, the mask features bold geometric patterns. These designs are symbolic—lines may represent ancestral paths or life cycles, while checkerboards can signify duality and balance.
Cultural Significance:
For the Bwa, this mask is not just an object but a living symbol of identity, spirituality, and cultural continuity. It embodies moral teachings, cosmology, and collective memory.