Raffia Animal Mask, Burkina Faso
Wild entertainment masks are made of colorful fibers created for amusement. Traditionally the masks are made of sisal but today some are dyed with aniline dyes to achieve vibrant colors, adding to the drama of the maskâs performance. The wooden heads represent powerful animals such as the rooster and the crocodile. Sometimes one of these mischievous masks may even steal a child and run away with it to excite the onlookers.