Lobi Miniature Family Mask

A narrow face with a calm, level stare.

Lobi artists of Burkina Faso, West Africa, made this miniature face mask in bronze. Compact cast masks and figures of this kind are often associated with Lobi protective and personal objects. This one has a long, ridged nose, almond eyes with incised lids and a small pursed mouth. Small knobs rise from the crown, with round ears at the sides and a few punched marks across the cheeks. The metal has aged to an even olive-grey with a soft sheen on the high points.

About 6 inches tall. Tiny, but it holds a wall.