Bwa nwantantay plank mask, Burkina Faso, mid-20th century, executed in carved wood with polychrome decoration, the mask having an abstract circular face with a protruding circular mouth set with jagged teeth, topped by a downward curving hook projecting from a rectangular superstructure surmounted by a crescent or horn shape, painted in black and white with red accents, the geometric designs being part of a system of symbols used in life rituals, 62.5"h x 12"w x 10"d.