New Acquisitions - Spring 2020

“The Bwa use carved wooden figures as well as figures modelled in clay in the same contexts in which they are used by the Nunuma and Winiama: diviners place figures, called nyihabe in Bogassi or nkasyu in Hounde, on shrines that embody protective bush spirits. The supernatural power of these spirits can be manipulated by the diviner for the clients’ benefit. Fully carved anthropomorphic figures are far less common among the Bwa than among the Gurunsi.” Chris Roy

Bwa Standing Female Figure - Burkina Faso 1st Half 20th Century