African (?) carved wood Hanging

I'm looking for help identifying this item and it's origin. It is a wood hand carved wall hanging measuring approx. 51 inches in length and 6 inches in width. I purchased it at an estate auction and it was advertised as African art however the majority of the items sold at this auction were Asian so I'm questioning its origin.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

Try looking at it this way, a gazelle mask, West African, possibly Dogon.

The holes in the side are for securing it to a cloth cap, there would have been plant fibre fringes as well.

 

Dogon dancers:

 

Thank you. This is extremely helpful. Any suggestions on how I can determine its age or sources of information on Dogon art?

 

Well, 4 starters try looking thru several high end african art web sites...& then try african auctions to see if these have come up with sale prices on them.

To get an exact age.....a dealer will know best......get several opinions.....
Mine.....tourist piece from the 70's or 80's..

 

Yes to what Komo said.
I am no expert on African art, just happen to come across it a lot. I do know there is also a market for some tourist items, this would be one of those items.

 

Thank you both for your responses. I did some further research and this mask closely resembles those from the West African country of Burkina Faso. its referred to as a Mossi Plank Mask. I will research further and try to find someone at local university with expertise in African art. I will share any additional info. Thanks again.

 

The Mossi are neighbours of the Dogon. They drove the Dogon out of their territory, but also intermarried with them and adopted parts of their culture. The Mossi plank masks are derived from the Dogon plank masks.