An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Ram Mask (Bolo)possibly early 1900s
Bolo masks are primarily danced for entertainment during communal occasions like funerals, male initiations, and harvest celebrations. Comprising both animal and human features, the mask––always worn by a male dancer––refers to the cultural significance of the ram, an animal associated with male aggression across sub-Saharan Africa.
The mask was vividly painted while in use. Look closely at its surface to see traces of blue, red, and white paint.
Wood and paint
Overall: 45 x 36 x 36 cm (17 11/16 x 14 3/16 x 14 3/16 in.)
René and Odette Delenne Collection, Leonard C. Hanna, Jr. Fund
In the heart of vibrant communities in sub-Saharan Africa, the air fills with a palpable energy on special occasions, weaving a tapestry of stories through the rhythm of life and death. Amidst the somber notes of farewell at a funeral, the joyous laughter of harvest celebrations, and the intense rites of male initiation, the Bolo mask emerges as a profound symbol.
Enigmatic in its design, this mask melds the fierce traits of both animal and human, evoking a multitude of emotions. Each contour and color breathes life into the spirit it represents, yet it's always donned by a male dancer, echoing traditions long held. The ram, an embodiment of strength and male aggression, looms large in the cultural psyche, directing the narrative of masculinity in these communities.
As the dancers move, the Bolo mask tells its tale—speaking not just to the spectators, but resonating deep within the souls of those gathered. It is a reminder that even amid grief and celebration, the dance continues, weaving the past with the present, creating a bridge of understanding through the ages. These moments, wrapped in the solemnity of their meaning, invite everyone to reflect on the journey of life, the ties that bind, and the rituals that shape us all.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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