Masks
Wood mask, 'The Hunter'
Bold red features contrast vividly with concentric rings of black and white. This dramatic zebra mask is awarded to great hunters in the Dan culture, where it is considered a symbol of their prowess and agility.
Wood mask, 'Peacemaker'
One of the oldest examples of African mask art, this personage represents the Dan tribe. Its smooth oval face and symmetrical features depict a peacemaker, highly respected among warring clans.
Wood mask, 'Spirit of the Bush'
Faceless and featuring horns in the shape of the sun, this checkered mask replicates the artistry of the Bondoukou people from the Ivory Coast. The mask represents the spirit of the bush and it's worn during ceremonial dances.
Ghanaian wood mask, 'Good Things at Harvest'
Warm earth colors cover the smooth features of a Ghanaian mask. Masterfully carved and painted by hand, it is representative of the Akwapim people from the area around Aburi.
Wood mask, 'Horn'
This magnificent mask originates from the people of Yoruba in Nigeria. Over time, the mask's style has been added upon by other regions on the continent - providing new decorative materials such as beads and brass.
Akan mask, 'Vigilant Hunter'
The Akan people of Ghana wear the Ahweyie mask to the ceremonies that honor their hunters. Meaning "vigilance, " the Ahweyie mask exudes courage and bravery. Wilson Aboagye carves an admirable sese wood mask that replicates the distinct artistry of the Akan people.
Wood mask, 'Intelligent One'
An incomplete star accents the nostalgic aura in this mask of saddened face, its ornate forehead a replica of the Housa's Gondu masks. Meaning "forehead, " this type of traditional masks are known for their elongated foreheads.
Wood statuette, 'Three Eyes to See'
An elongated visage rises to a peak and stands proudly above the narrow torso. Rippling across the smooth sese wood features, brass and copper repouss� add intricate textures. Abdul Karim Star sculpts a figure known as Idohooku in the Hausa language.
Akan mask, 'Humbleness'
A sense of shyness and discretion exudes from this hand-carved sese wood mask by Daniel Sackey. Intended for entertainment during ceremonies, the mask reminds of the importance of being humble. The Akan people of Ghana call this mask Ahobrasee.
Wood mask, 'Storm God'
Dark eyebrows knit thoughtfully and blazing eyes observe the earth. Juliana Akandas depicts the orisha (god) of thunder and lightning. Believed to have founded the Yoruba kingdom in Nigeria, he is portrayed in a sese wood mask.