Fishtail Scepter
Bobo, Burkina Faso
Iron
Early 20th century

Wheelock writes that scepters of this type probably functioned in ceremonial contexts and were fearsome weapons against unseen malevolent forces (Land of the Flying Masks, 2006).

The 100,000 Bobo are primarily farmers whose lives are regulated by a council of elders. They cast bronze pendants and carve large masks. Their masks symbolize animals or spirits and are worn during ceremonies associated with new crops, initiations, and funerals (Bacquart, The Tribal Arts of Africa, 1998). 

A similar piece was published in Wheelock, Land of the Flying Masks, plate 279 (pictured below). This piece also comes from the Wheelock collection. 

24.125 in :: 61 cm

InventoryID #13-2472

Price on Request