Physical Movement
The history of the Black Volta River basin (1) is definitely not as stable as patterns on the large-eared mask. Although most of the ethnic and language groups were in the same area as far back as the fifteenth century, the region has been invaded and opened to diversity. (Roy “The Art of Burkina Faso” 3) There were uprisings among various groups which disrupted peaceful life in the basin. Each struggle, however, created a new influence on the Voltaic experience. Today historic constants and new influences intermingle to form Black Volta expressions that are linked to other pasts.
Although masks, like the one featured on this website, are now found in the Black Volta Basin, they have, in many ways, been imported. Throughout the past few centuries, Voltaic people have not only taken physical masks, but also styles, from Konaté people. (Stanley 6-7) Originally--and as recently as the nineteenth century—Voltaic people would raid mask-making centers of the Konatè. Masks were taken by force, as plunder from their neighbors. However, eventually this violent capture was replaced with the purchase of style. Voltaic mask-makers would purchase the right to use the Konaté style with their balanced form and bold lines. Now there are even masks themselves that are made by Konaté people and imported for use in ceremonies and celebrations in the Black Volta region. (Stanley 7)
1. map of Volta Rivers