With over 12 million people the Mossi forms the largest population group in Burkina Faso. The tribe was founded in the 14th/ 15th century by immigrants from the north of Ghana and up till today only a minority has converted to the Islamic faith. The traditional Mossi rites continue to be practiced today.
The significant rite here is the ancestral rite, with artistically very independent ancestral figures at the top. They are buried symbolically at funerals instead of the corpse, which has been buried before at a secret place.
This proud and luxurious decorated former high ranking lady – probably a chief’s wife – has been in the collection of a Hamburg artist and Africa enthusiast since the beginning of the 1990s. |
