Mossi (Visions of Africa)

The Mossi people of Burkina Faso have a rich and complex history that is mirrored by the several types and styles of figures and masks they create. The chiefs use political art in the form of royal figures to validate their rule, while those in the spiritual class make masks that represent the spirits of nature. Unlike several other West African peoples, the Mossi have not converted to Islam in large numbers, so they continue to create spiritual art much as their ancestors did hundreds of years ago. As this book attests, the Mossi have continued to create brilliant works that they use to this day to express ideas about politics and religion.