Masks of Ghana
Wood mask, 'Odo Bird'
The animal or bird displayed on this type of traditional West African mask may vary according to the tribe or the occasion for use. Featuring a bird centered on the top of its head, masks such as this are worn while dancing at festivals.
Wood mask, 'Money Dreams'
Daniel Nyadedzor hand-carves this enchanting piece from select sese wood. Its given name, Sika, literally means "money." Decorated with aluminum plates and beautiful local designs, the polished antique finish exalts dynamic, circular symmetry.
Wood mask, 'Here to Help'
Samuel Coleman hand-carves this mask with a sloped expression, suggesting an elderly man, a bird perched on his head with wings outspread.
Wood mask, 'Ashanti Horns'
Displaying the visage of an Ashanti king, this mask beautifully symbolizes cultural strength. Embossed brass plates adorn the richness of hand-carved sese wood, while horns rise proudly above, evoking a kind of vertical symmetry.
Wood mask, 'Speka-ko Antique'
Speka-ko is a reverent title that suits leaders, teachers, and advisers. In the Ga language, the name refers to a teacher of native traditions. This mask by Eric Danquah is intended for a speka-ko, who often wears a horror mask despite his or her position of leadership.
Wood mask, 'Village Mediator'
Gazing downward with heavy-lidded eyes, a personage seems contemplative. His is an important task, for this is the mediator of conflicts. Gleaming brass repouss� covers the features, sculpted in sese wood and polished to a deep luster.
Wood mask, 'Evil Spirits'
Seeming to speak, red lips open to call out a warning perceived through wide eyes. Juliana Akandas carves a beautiful mask embellished with rich brass repouss� and painted by hand.
Wood mask, 'Bountiful Harvest'
Sumptuous curves in textured brass create a sensation of well being. Embellished with gold and crimson, this beautiful personage wears a beaded nose ornament with red cotton tufts. Juliana Akandas creates a mask that protects farmers among the Hausa people of Ghana.
Wood mask, 'One Who Helps'
With a self effacing expression, this personage seeks to serve others, not himself. The elegant features are topped with a tall hat in the style of West Africa. Nana Frimpong sculpts the mask to illustrate a proverb among the Akan people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast.
Wood mask, 'Fancy Feline'
The traditional epitome of beauty, a feline's face is marked with the tribal scarifications of the Akan people. Daniel Nyadedzor carves this extraordinary sese wood mask by hand, and treats it to appear aged. He calls the mask hwe m'ahoofe, which means "look at my beauty.