African Masks
Burkina Faso wood mask, 'Enchanted Bird'
Believed to possess mysterious powers, this enchanted bird is never seen during the day. Whoever glimpses it during the daytime will be empowered with good fortune. Juliana Akandas transforms a legend from the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso into a colorful mask.
Benin mask, 'Ghost Spirit'
Nii Okaija Annan carves a mask of fearsome beauty that represents a ghost, according to Benin traditions. Highly expressive, this mask is used to invoke the spirits of ancestors.
Wood mask, 'Wise Elder Chief'
His tightly braided hair turned gray, an elderly chief exudes wisdom. White whiskers cover his cheeks and cascade from his chin. Using sese wood, paint and dark tan polish, Victor Yao Delanyo creates a mask in the style of Benin.
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, 'Bwa Butterfly Spirit'
Target-like circles on the face identify this ethereal winged creature as a butterfly. Gliding on soft white wings, the mask represents a nature spirit among the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso.
Wood mask, 'Mossi Ancestor'
Powerful and mysterious, this imposing character comes from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. Its smooth, even contours reveal rich color that adds to its intrigue.
Wood mask, 'Bwa Bush Spirits'
Salihu Ibrahim carves a beautiful mask filled with meaning known only to initiates in the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso. The checkerboard represents the separation of good and evil, wise from stupid, and male from female.
Wood mask, 'Bobo Ram'
A symbol of purity, the ram boasts long horns that curl majestically about its head. Evans Doe Martey creates a handsome mask from the Bobo people of Burkina Faso. Spiritual purity plays a vital role in African traditions.
Wood mask, 'River Goddess'
A divine inhabitant of Zairian waters, this mask represents the Kasai River Goddess of the Pende people. Salihu Ibrahim hand-carves this extraordinary replica from seasoned sese wood and embellishes the face with an assortment of colorful trade beads.
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.