Description

Bwa divination couple figures from southwestern Burkina Faso.
Diviners or soothsayers among the Bwa ethnic use figures in pairs during divination.
The figures will act as intermediary between the diviner and the ancestors.
Copper alloy, lost wax, encrustations – Collected in Burkina Faso

Height: 10,3 cm and 10,8 cm respectively
Width at feet: 4,1 cm and 3,6 cm respectively

Reference:  La culture matérialisée des ethnies de la Volta: les object en alliage de cuivre coulée à la cire perdue, Wilfried Glar (2015) p. 270

About the BWA
The Bwa or Bwaba (plural), occupy the area of northwestern Burkina Faso and parts of Mali. Their livelihood is largely based on agriculture, and also by hunting and fishing.
Primarily animists, the Bwa system of beliefs is based on encounters between their founding ancestors.
The Bwa carve large colourful masks that represent a variety of animals. In addition, they are decorated with striking geometric patterns in rich colours of white, red and black. They are are taken out and worn during funeral ceremonies, as well as for entertainment.
Bwa masked performances serve many functions within each community. The elders of the village initiate the youth into the masquerade traditions. The young initiates will learn learn about their ancestors through their performances.
Bwa statuary associated with divination and ritual is quite rare.