This is a wonderful and beautiful small Bedu mask from the Nafana people
of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Bedu masks belonged to one of the many
secret societies, for which membership typically required initiation.
During the initiation, young boys had to endure physical tests and an
apprenticeship in secret knowledge of the supernatural. Bedu is really a
reference to a mythical wild animal. Legend states the Bedu was
discovered in the bush by a father who had taken his sick child on a
journey in search of medicinal roots. One day the Bedu appeared, touched
the child who was instantly cured, and disappeared. Later, the Bedu
reappeared and was domesticated for the benefit of the village, leaving
two Bedu's the bush Bedu and the village Bedu, both bringing
extraordinary benefits. Smaller Bedu masks with horns have been used
for Zorogo dances, in which women mock their male counterparts by
addressing the mask as their lover. Women prepared the masks by
repairing, washing and repainting with the approach of Zaurau, the
harvest season which also was a period of revelry and social laxity.
Bedu masks and their performances represent and reinforce good social
values: community harmony, health, fertility and good crops. This Bedu
mask is beautiful in color and abstract design with the outstanding
craftsmanship of the Nafana carvers. This would be wonderful piece of
African Art to display in your home.
COMES ON STAND
20" tall
7 3/4" wide
2 1/4" deep
Collected in the field. Some loss of color, but overall in good condition.
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