African Masks
Congolese wood mask, 'Ancient River Goddess'
Bright beadwork adorns the serene features of a river goddess. Salihu Ibrahim creates an image from the Pende people of the Congo. Tassels of red thread complement the trade seed beads, and the piece receives an antique finish.
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 wood mask, 'Lanku Gratitude'
Shaped like a teardrop, this handsome mask with its wide forehead narrows to a pointed chin. Incised patterns vie with embossed aluminum in a beautiful textural complement.
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.
Congolese mask, 'Secret Baboon'
Stylized features convey the baboon's simian cunning. Nii Noi 'Chico' Nortey depicts an ape, carving the mask from sese wood and rubbing it with white clay. Used by older men's secret societies, this design comes from the Congo's Komo culture.
Congolese wood mask, 'Initiator'
Beautiful and ornate, this exquisite mask is used during rites of passage to manhood by boys from the Lanku tribe of the Congo, formerly known as Zaire. The patterns carved in the crown suggest an ornate hairdo, and the eyes echo the red motif on the forehead.
Congolese wood mask, 'Teakabi Beauty'
Sleekly combed hair and ornate repouss� textures distinguish this elegant mask. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah depicts the slender, symmetrical features of a woman from the Teakabi tribe from the shores of the Zaire River. A smaller personage observes from the top of the mask.
Wood mask, 'Initiation Celebration'
Glaring with fierce expression, this mask is worn by young Chockwe men during their initiation rites into adulthood. Evans Doe Martey carves by hand a faithful sese wood replica featuring long earlobes, scarifications around the face, and pointed teeth.
Wood mask, 'Bateke Beauty'
Surrounded by braids of color, a flat visage reveals intricate geometric shapes. The abstract motifs cover the entire sese wood surface. Smiling serenely, this mask by Victor Yao Delanyo represents the Teke, or Bateke tribe who live along the Congo River.
Wood mask, 'Native Beauty'
Bakota is the name of an ancestral spirit of fertility and protection, its origin traces to the Kota people of Gabon. This mask takes the shape of a Bakota doll, its feminine grace complemented by delicate facial features and elaborate accessories.