The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 22, 2023

Ram Mask (Bolo)

possibly early 1900s

Africa, West Africa, Burkina Faso, Bobo-style blacksmith-carver

Wood and paint

Overall: 45 x 36 x 36 cm (17 11/16 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in.)

René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund 2016.56

Location

108A Sub-Saharan

Fun Fact

The mask was vividly painted while in use. Look closely at its surface to see traces of blue, red, and white paint.

Description

Bolo masks are primarily danced for entertainment during communal occasions like funerals, male initiations, and harvest celebrations. Comprising both animal and human features, the mask––always worn by a male dancer––refers to the cultural significance of the ram, an animal associated with male aggression across sub-Saharan Africa.

Provenance
?–1962
Jeanne Raguin, Golfe-Juan, France, sold to René and Odette Delenne
1962–2016
René [1901-1998] and Odette Delenne [1925-2012], Brussels, Belgium, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
2016–
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Citations
Maesen, Alebert, et al. Art d’Afrique dans les collections belges, cat. 21. Exh. Cat. Tervuren: Royal Museum for Central Africa, June 29-October 30, 1963. cat. 21
Leuzinger, Elsy. Die Kunst von Schwarz-Afrika, cat. C6. Exh. Cat. Recklinghausen: Verlag Aurel Bongers, in association with Kunsthaus Zürich, October 31, 1970-February 10, 1971. cat. C6
Exhibition history

Kunsthaus Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland (October 31, 1970 - February 10, 1971)

Art d’Afrique dans les collections belges. Royal Museum for Central Africa (June 29-October 30, 1963).

Source URL: https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2016.56