Tusyan (Toussian, Tusia, Tusian, Win), Burkina Faso

Figurine of bull (village bronze). The Tusyan are a small ethnic group living in southwestern Burkina Faso. Throughout West Africa, bronze casting has been the prerogative of blacksmiths, who wielded power in their communities. Distinct from those commissioned for royal and court use, village bronzes are usually smaller in scale and made for use by individuals as protective, curative, or commemorative devices. This is a figure of a bull. Among the Tusyan, hunters hold rituals using these bronze bull figures with flat, mask-like heads.

Material: African bronze

Size: 7½”x 13”x 5½”

Price: $215 + $21 (S&H)                                                            [#S6T9B648]