Helmet Mask with Vertical Ladder Extension, Bobo, Burkina Faso, 20th century WHY DID THE ARTIST CHOOSE TO USE THESE STYLES AND FORMS? African art can be characterized by pronounced stylization. A stylized art object conforms to an idea, a pattern, or a design rather than to a real appearance; it is an interpretation rather than a direct representation of the way something looks. This is a helmet mask from the Bobo people of Burkina Faso. The shape of the mask is abstract, that is it is not immediately recognizable as a known animal, person, or thing. Sometimes African artists create objects that combine different animal characteristics in a single creature. The face of this mask is a combination of human and antelope elements. A bird-like form protrudes from the forehead. The ladder-like shape extending from the top of the head can be seen as either the bird's wings or the antelope's antlers. Although it is difficult to differentiate these animal and human forms at first, after a while we can recognize them. This mask is decorated with many geometric patterns. Often geometric patterns and colors refer to moral values that are best understood by a community's elders. Because this mask does not resemble a single animal and because it is decorated with geometric patterns, we consider this to be an abstract art work. PART 3-PAGE 2 OF 7
SLIDE 13
WHY DOES THIS OBJECT LOOK THE WAY IT DOES?
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