[1] The places left unconquered were raided by the Bamana, which led to a weakening of the Bwa social and political systems.

[3] In the 19th century, the Bamana declined and the area was dominated by the Fulani who raided and enslaved the Bwa and stole their livestock.

[4][3] The end of the 19th century brought French mercenaries who used the Fulani to help control the area.

[1] The Bwa traditions of storing crops for use in lean years were undermined by the crippling taxation systems of the French and they suffered further from famine from 1911–1913.

From this, the Bwa purchased the rights to use, wear, and carve wooden masks, their costumes, and the songs and dances that go with them.

Besides cotton, though, the Bwa are known to harvest certain grains such as millet, rice, sorghum, yams, and peanuts.

Blacksmiths in the Bwa society work mostly with bronze to craft masks, figures, utensils, and jewelry.

[9] The creator deity of the Bwa is known as Wuro, a god who designed the earth with the intention of establishing balance.

Wuro was said to be hurt by a human, and in return, he decided to send his eldest son Dwo to act as the communication line between him and the people.

In fact, the art work that the Bwa are known for is primarily used for animist practices—specifically that of Nuna origin.

They are led by the village's eldest male member, the Labie (also known as the earth priest.

Using these masks, along with scepters and diverse body adornments, the Bwa will dance and perform these items in representation of different spirits.

[11] The Bwa use various divination sculptures and carvings to carry out significant ceremonies and practices.

While sculpted figures are a rare art of the Bwa's, the pieces would be used for events such as divination ceremonies, fertility rituals, and offered sacrifices.

[12] The Bwa masks are usually black and white; additional colors are subject to individual carvers and their styles.

Built in horizontal shapes, these masks can represent different animals and have specific designs.

[15] The masks also represent the bush spirits including serpents, monkeys, buffalo and hawks.