Maski Nuna
The Nuna Masks

Summary/Abstract: The article concerns a Nuna people rite of Exit of Big Masks. At the turn of February and March residents of Zawara village (Burkina Faso) tame the bush gods to get both good yield in new rainy season and gods’ care for the community. The dancers, clothed in rite costumes, take part in mysterious, picturesque rite. The have masks on their heads, both zoomorphic and abstract. The article concerns the both cult, functions, symbolism of the masks and the role of animistic ethnic group Nuna in conservation of tradition in West Africa. Autor of the article asks also the question about concequences of presentation of such a strong and hermetic rite in Western European festivals for its cultural identity

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