Collecting African Tribal Art : Haunted by the Tussian helmet.

In 2015 I did an interpretive blog post on the Tussian and Siemu representation of the ‘buffalo’ helmet masks (Kablé). The headdress is related to initiation into the powerful Dó association and is central to spiritual and social practices of Tussian culture in Burkina Faso. Each helmet is topped with any of a variety of animals associated with guardian spirits. Here’s a great article and overview of the Tussian helmet mask.

Senufo Headdress – Geoffrey Holder provenance (2016)

In 2016 I tapped out on the Senufo helmet mask (above) with a Geoffrey Holder provenance – I was pretty disappointed.

Tussian Buffalo Helmet – Kablé

Fast forward to 2023 and I finally pick up (to my relief) my first Tussian helmet mask. It’s been a tough 8 years but the wait and the stress leading up to the auction was worth it.

There were mixed emotions because the piece was presented at a small auction for a couple who were downsizing. The sale didn’t have the full reach that it could have if it had made it to LiveAuctioneers or a major auction house and the description of African tribal art pieces is easier to determine with the use of Google lens (for example). Trust and believe there are really good pieces out there. Just be patient, continue looking and keep doing diligent research!!