An Old Mossi Female Figure – Burkina Faso

Wood. Height: 44.5 cm (17.52″); Weight: 568 g (20.04 oz). Glossy patina with visible signs of ritual use and age.

Such figures were used in rituals to promote fertility, protect pregnancies, and honor ancestors.

The Mossi are the largest ethnic group in Burkina Faso, with significant communities also in neighboring countries. They speak Mooré, a language of the Gur family. Historically, the Mossi established powerful kingdoms dating back to the 15th century, known for their hierarchical social structure and centralized authority under chiefs and kings (Naaba). Their culture is rich in traditions, including elaborate ceremonies, music, and distinctive art forms such as wooden masks and fertility figures. Agriculture is central to Mossi life, and their spiritual practices blend ancestral veneration with elements of animism and, more recently, Islam and Christianity.

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