Burkina Faso: Mossi and Bobo The major artworks of the Bukina Faso masks are mostly from the people of Mossi and Bobo. The Mossi are a very powerful people who raided and defeated the communities of the plains around them. Such people included the Dogon , Timbuktu, Bagana and Qualata . The Mossi people believe that the horse is endowed with exceptional powers and, therefore, military leaders are regarded as horses. The Mossi masks which are blade-shaped and on which a female figure stands in the background are worn by the military leaders or masters whom they call in their language ' Naba' during the Wango rites. The Mossi and Bobo masks are blade shaped and are carved out of wood. However, the Bobo are painted. The face of the masks is in relief and the back is attached to a high board that is sometimes indented with geometric and coloured motifs as the people's device.
Liberia and Cote d'Ivoire : Dan Ngere The major artwork of Liberia and Cote d'lvoire was the Dan Ngere mask carved out of wood. The mask which has almost the same appearance and form is used for different purposes. One of such purposes is as a channel of communication with their high god, Zan . The spirits of their ancestors are also invoked through the masks. Another function of the mask is its use, especially the one known as Dea , during circumcision. A tall conical headdress indicating beauty is worn with the Dea mask. Two types of the Dea masks have been identified. One is used for teaching initiates into the Poro Society and frightening away women and children from the initiation camp. The other one is worn while collecting food from the mothers of the youths. Some of the masks regarded as the low ones are merely used for entertaining those who have remained behind in the village while initiaton lasted. The carving of the masks is idealized to look like ...