Masks
Wood mask, 'Alert Warrior'
The unique masks of the Boa people (Congo) inspire Walter Kumar to replicate their captivating artistry. The Boa are known principally for their masks, traditionally used in war-related ceremonies, to enhance the warrior's courage or to celebrate victories.
Wood mask, 'Ghost Face'
Victor Yao Delano carves a fascinating mask intended to depict the face of a ghost. The mask is called Balumba (Ghost Face) and the people of Gabon wear it, along with stilts, during funeral ceremonies in honor of the women who drowned in the Ogowe River.
Wood mask, 'Fang Farmer'
Arched eyebrows frame the canny eyes of a god in touch with the earth. Long and narrow, the serene visage appears in the colors of the fertile African soil.
Wood mask, 'Fang Ceremony'
A helmet-like headdress contrasts with dark sese wood features, conferring a serious air on this elegant personage. Triangles adorn the cheek like tears and a diamond adorns the upper portion.
Wood mask, 'Fang Hunter'
Long and narrow, this stylized visage gazes into the distance through narrowed eyes. Abstract motifs in blue and dark brown accentuate the features, carved and painted by hand.
Wood mask, 'Bountiful Earth'
Earth colors swirl enticingly across burnished sese wood, evoking the fertile soil and blue waters of West Africa. Carved and painted by hand, this mask represents a deity of the Fang people.
Wood mask, 'Harvest Ritual'
Wearing a tall cap, this calm, slender visage breaks into a slow smile. Salihu Ibrahim transforms sese wood into an exquisite mask. Smooth contours take on deep earth hues, with fine motifs etched in regular patterns.
Wood mask, 'Punu Spirit of the Dead'
A tall hairdo, closed eyes and intricate patterns on the smooth forehead characterize this handsome mask. Finished in white, the mask is linked with peace, deities, spirits of the dead and the afterlife, and thus it is used during funeral rites.
Wood mask, 'Ancient Baule Warrior'
An empowered expression defines this mask by Ernestina Oppong Asante. Featuring the face of an ancient warrior, its style originates from the Baule people of Cote d'Ivoire.
Wood mask, 'Courage of the Dan'
Reduced to a minimalist portrait, human features adopt the powerful curved beak of a bird. Salihu Ibrahim explores the icons of the Dan people of C�te d�Ivoire with this hand-carved mask. The mask is used in ceremonies to prepare for war and also when negotiating peace.