2006.57.2 Buffalo mask (sigma)


GENERAL DESCRIPTION  
Carved in the form of a highly stylized buffalo, this mask is viewed simultaneously from the front and rear. The mask is worn diagonally on the head. Locals describe the projecting beaklike form as a tail.

Sigma masks appear in the Simma masquerade performed by farmers at funeral celebrations and when a community's well-being is threatened, for example, by a drought or malevolent spirits. 

Adapted from
  • Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
  • Roslyn A. Walker, African Masks: The Art of Disguise, Label text, 2010.

NOTES
Vagala peoples, Nyamase group

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PROVENANCE 
n.d.: Saja Tunkara

1972-2006: John Lunsford, Dallas, Texas, purchased from above 23 June 1972

2006: Dallas Museum of Art, gift from above

The main source for this provenance is the data in TMS.

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Apply to objects where number equals 2006.57.2

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General Description
 
Carved in the form of a highly stylized buffalo, this mask is viewed simultaneously from the front and rear. The mask is worn diagonally on the head. Locals describe the projecting beaklike form as a tail.

Sigma masks appear in the Simma masquerade performed by farmers at funeral celebrations and when a community's well-being is threatened, for example, by a drought or malevolent spirits. 

Adapted from
  • Roslyn A. Walker, Label text, Arts of Africa, 2015.
  • Roslyn A. Walker, African Masks: The Art of Disguise, Label text, 2010.

Fun Facts

Archival Resources

Web Resources
 

Notes
Vagala peoples, Nyamase group

Catalogue essays

Artist/designers

Cultures

Geography 

Process/materials

Historical periods

Individuals

Subject terms

RELATED OBJECTS 

PROVENANCE 
n.d.: Saja Tunkara

1972-2006: John Lunsford, Dallas, Texas, purchased from above 23 June 1972

2006: Dallas Museum of Art, gift from above

The main source for this provenance is the data in TMS.

AUDIO ASSETS 

VIDEO ASSETS

rules
Apply To
Objects
number
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2006.57.2
tags
hide (collagenous material / large animal skins): AAT: 300011844
#draft
#completed
%copyedited_Gail
paint (coating): AAT: 300015029
%Archived
masks (costume): AAT: 300138758
carving (processes): AAT: 300053149
@Bilal-Gore
wood (plant material): AAT: 300011914
*Arts of Africa
sheet metal: AAT: 300223016
triangles (polygons): AAT: 300009806
horns (animal components): AAT: 300400473
fiber: AAT: 300014024
buffalo (animals): AAT: 300250108
funerals: AAT: 300069162
Ghana (nation): TGN: 1000166
nails (fasteners): AAT: 300033565
stylization: AAT: 300055836
wrought iron: AAT: 300011012
camwood (wood): AAT: 300262510
Vagala: AAT: 300262540
source file
object_notes_4_a-0220.xml.nores