Benin & Burkina Faso
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.
Burkina Faso wood mask, 'Protective Spirits'
Featureless, this mask represents protective spirits that can take animal form or can appear as strange beings. These spirits watch over families, clans and communities providing fertility, health, prosperity and continuity of life.
Wood mask 'The Virtue of Knowledge'
This mask of striking features represents a protective spirit that has taken an animal form. The mask originates from the beliefs and traditions of the Nuna people from Burkina Faso and represents the gift of knowledge in the face of ignorance.
Wood mask, 'Mossi Protector'
Round eyes dominate a watchful face from the Mossi tribe of Burkina Faso. Divided into quadrants by perpendicular lines, the mask by Salihu Ibrahim boasts an antique finish created with white clay.
Wood mask, 'Earth Goddess Spirits'
Portrayed in a mask, ancestral spirits of the earth goddess grace a beautiful design by Salihu Ibrahim. Named Bayiri, it refers to small sculptures of the female bush spirits among the Bwa tribe of Burkina Faso.
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.
Burkina Faso wood mask, 'Fortune'
Geometric motifs adorn tall horns on this dramatic mask. Meticulously carved by Salihu Ibrahim, it comes from the Bobo people of Burkina Faso. Ibrahim paints the mask by hand and rubs it with white clay, while river stones become the shining eyes.
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, 'Little Child'
Smooth features characterize a small child, ably depicted in a mask by Wilson Aboagye. Meticulously carved by hand and polished to a rich sheen, the personage represents the Gurunsi tribe of Burkina Faso. Aboagye names the piece Bega, which means "child.
Beninese wood mask, 'Fon Chieftain'
His headdress denotes a position of authority and his demeanor is commanding. Parallel lines add length to his face and suggest ritual scarification.