African Masks
Wood mask, \'Bobo Cane Head\'
The visage of courage, this mask is a captivating personification of Bobo pride. The Bobos escaped Moshie subjugation and settled around Bobo Dioulasso, west of Burkina Faso.
Wood mask, \'Mossi Fertility Image\'
Round eyes dominate a face from the Mossi tribe of Burkina Faso. Crowned by an elaborate headdress, the mask by Salihu Ibrahim boasts an antique finish created with white clay. This personage presides over agricultural ceremonies designed to protect fruit trees.
Beninese mask, \'Warrior Dance\'
Robert Nortey replicates the Adzogbo dance mask, which originates in Benin. Meaning \"War Ritual, \" the Adzogbo dance is performed only by men so they may display their physical strength and prowess, as well as their spiritual power.
Wood mask, \'Perseverance\'
Distinguished by a heavy brow and prominent cheeks, this personage speaks with elongated lips. Salihu Ibrahim explores the icons of the Nuna people of Burkina Faso, formerly Upper Volta, with this hand-carved mask.
Wood mask, \'Great Monkey Spirit\'
Salihu Ibrahim carves the vivid visage of a monkey, influenced by the artistic stylizations of the Nuna tribe.
Wood mask, \'Secret Initiation\'
Salihu Ibrahim hand-carves a compelling mask inspired by the customs of the Songye people from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congolese mask, \'Hunter\'
The hunter\'s mask of the Lwalwa people is worn on two occasions, upon the return of hunters and, during the initiation rites of young men into society. The Lwalwa people live in Congo and Angola.
Congolese wood mask, \'Pride of Womanhood\'
Juliana Akandas carves a mask depicting a girl with bead and red cotton earrings. Embossed brass adorns her face and she smiles with excitement. From the Lwalwa tribe of southeastern Congo, such masks are presented to girls during their puberty rites.
Wood mask, \'Lega Sorcerer\'
A mask of mystical allure, it is traditionally worn by the Lega sorcerer from Congo-Kinshasa (formerly Zaire). According to Lega customs, the sorcerer wears this mask with the sole purpose of healing, consulting the oracle or for initiation rites.
Wood mask, \'Congo Virgin\'
A delicately detailed piece, this mask replicates those awarded to young girls if they passed their initiation rites. In olden times, girls and elder women around Cameroon, Congo DR and other parts of West Africa congregated for Hehle (numbered) night.