 Congolese wood mask, 'Keeping Order'
$89.95
This highly stylized mask represents a personage who wears a turban. Richly adorned with aluminum repousse, its colors are red and black. "This mask is worn by the selected few in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its purpose is for maintaining order in the community," artisan Robert Nortey explains. "These masks are meant for use on ritual or political occasions to arbitrate conflicts and punish wrongdoers." |
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 Wood mask, 'Emblem'
$79.95
Used during the initiation rites of the Bwami people of Congo, this Lega ("Emblem") mask is to be worn by the tribe's second in command. Victor Yao Delanyo hand-carves this faithful replica from noble sese wood using manual tools; he adorns the face with delicately embossed brass plates. The mask is crowned with goat's horns as symbol of the officer's power. |
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 Wood mask, 'Feast and Rite'
$59.95
A mask of powerful artistry, it is worn by the Lulua people from Congo during special ceremonies, including feasts. Evans Doe Martey carves a magnificent sese wood replica adorned with brass plates embossed with traditional patterns. |
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 Congolese mask, 'Brave Hunter'
$89.99
Salihu Ibrahim reveals the artistic mysteries of the Songye people with this impressive, hand-carved mask. This tribe from Congo is known to have several secret societies and a distinctive form of artistry characterizes each one. Ibrahim presents the mask that is usually reserved for the bravest hunter in the community. |
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 Zairian wood mask, 'Man of Success'
$89.95
Beautifully carved by hand, this mask is representative of the Bakongo people of Zaire. It features brass repousse on the forehead and subtle applications of red. By Walter Kuma, such masks are used during the annual festival to wish for success in the days and months to come. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Rite of Passage'
$59.95
Its face marked by fields of wheat, this mask from the Kif Webe people is a symbol of a boy's rite of passage into adulthood. Abubakari Alhassan masterfully replicates the art of this Congolese community as he carves the mask from sese wood with refined detail. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Protector'
$87.95
now
on sale! $79.16
Narrow eyes are vigilant, for this mask is thought to ward off threats and disasters. Representative of the Congo's Songye people, it is named Kif Webe and is believed to possess healing powers. The stripes represent the earth and the underworld, from where the spirits come. Carved of sese wood and adorned with white clay, this imposing mask is the creation of Salihu Ibrahim. |
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 Wood mask, 'Congo Virgin'
$49.95
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. A group of specifically chosen female elders examined the girls to assure their virginity, and the results were announced only to their clans. Then, a mask such as this one was gifted as a symbol of honor. Louis K. Botchway and Bomukasa proudly present this sese wood mask, the excellence of the workmanship evident in the refined characterization of the mask, rendered through organic dyes. |
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 Wood mask, 'Lega Sorcerer'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
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. Salihu Ibrahim carves the sese wood mask by hand in an oval, with a concave heart-shaped face. He paints the piece an off-white shade, and treats the mask to appear like an antique piece. |
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 Congolese mask, 'Thank You Nature'
$74.95
The Beyembe people of Congo show their appreciation for nature's gifts with this colorful mask. They wear it at their annual festival to thank Mother Nature for the air they breathe and the water they drink, as well as for the food, trees, sun, moon and stars. Juliana Akandas carves the mask from sese wood and paints it by hand in rich red and green hues. The mask is adorned with embossed brass plates, beads and cotton. |
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 Congolese mask, 'Secret Baboon'
$187.95
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. It is worn once a year at the beginning of the rainy season. |
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 Congolese mask, 'Past Memories'
$74.95
Abubakari Alhassan hand-carves a handsome mask with the stylizations of the Republic of Congo. Symbolizing the importance of the past, the sese wood mask features clay and aluminum accents. |
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 Wood mask, 'Congo Medicine Man'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
This solemn mask features the grave visage of a worried medicine man. Victor Yao Delanyo hand-carves this piece according to the customs of the Basonge people from Congo. Named Fwebe ("chief"), it is usually worn by a priest during rituals to cleanse the village from pestilence. Delanyo uses manual tools to carve the mask from sese wood; the face bears tribal markings, which are accented with wood polish. |
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 Wood mask, 'Initiation Celebration'
$149.95
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. There are four sub-tribes among the Chockwe people, and they live in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo. |
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 Wood mask, 'Congo Warrior'
$54.95
Lending this visage a mythical quality, the hand-carved features are dramatically elongated. Narrow eyes slant upward toward a wrinkled brow. Representing a warrior in contemplation, this mask by Victor Yao Delanyo is sculpted of sese wood. The name Zare means "Warrior" in the language of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), where such masks are used to initiate a person as the leader of a secret society. |
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 Wood mask, 'River Goddess'
$124.99
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. Wearing a stylized coiffure, the goddess is accessorized with iron earrings and red cotton tuffs. The Pende people live on the banks of the Kasai River in Zaire. Every time a river, stream or lake is purified, appreciation is shown to the gods and goddesses that inhabit the waters for their protection. Yearly and periodic rituals are therefore done to appease and thank them for their protection and longevity. Please note this mask is crafted by hand without a previous sketch or mold. The beaded work may vary slightly in pattern and color in subsequent masks therefore rendering each one unique and exclusive. |
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 Wood mask, 'Punisher'
$72.95
This mask's expression is one of mystery, intended to instill fear. Eddison Agbeko carves this intriguing sese wood replica inspired by the customs and traditions of the Fang people of Congo. It is linked with the dead and it is regarded as a symbol of fear and retribution. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Luba Death Mask'
$89.99
His eyes are closed forever, yet they seem to gaze protectively from beyond the grave. Incised with concentric circles in warm earth colors, this mask is representative of the Lubo, a Bantu speaking people from southern Congo. These are used during periods of transition, marking the death of a chief or other eminent person. It is crafted by Salihu Ibrahim. |
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 Wood mask, 'Congo Tribal Chief'
$49.95
Victor Yao Delanyo celebrates Congo traditions with this elegant mask, reserved for tribal chiefs, or baluba. Oval in shape, the mask features big round eyes and a half-open mouth; the expression is one of wisdom and solemnity. Delanyo carves the mask by hand from local sese wood. He uses manual tools, some of his own making, in order to achieve the refined detailing that embellishes the mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Kindly River Goddess'
$124.95
now
on sale! $112.46
The Kasai River Goddess looks kindly upon the Pende people, offering them safe passage as they cross the waters. Salihu Ibrahim invokes her presence in the form of a highly ornate mask, carved by hand from sese wood. He embellishes the mask with a fantasy of color created with African trade beads. The Pende people live on the banks of the Kasai River in Zaire. Every time a river, stream or lake is purified, appreciation is shown to the gods and goddesses that inhabit the waters for their protection. Yearly and periodic rituals are therefore done to appease and thank them for their protection and longevity. Please note this mask is crafted by hand without a previous sketch or mold. The beaded work may vary slightly in pattern and color in subsequent masks therefore rendering each one unique and exclusive. |
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 Wood mask, 'Power of the Patriarch'
$69.95
Shaped like a teardrop, a stern visage stares with rounded eyes. Imposing and beautiful, the bearded personage is adorned with polished plates of textured brass. Triple rows of colorful beads surround the eyes. Victor Yao Delanyo transforms seasoned sese wood into a mask he names Songe, or "Power" in the language of the Congo. These images are placed on the patriarchal altar for protection and good luck. |
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 Wood mask, 'Alert Boa Warrior'
$139.95
Evans Doe Martey presents an image from the Boa people who live in the savannas in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are known for their masks. Featuring large ears that signify alertness, this handsome antique-style piece represents a warrior. |
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 Wood mask, 'Alert Warrior'
$82.95
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. This mask features prominent, rounded ears, suggesting alertness, which ultimately leads to survival, whether in battle or during the hunt. |
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 Wood mask, 'Boa,'
$177.95
Ovular and antique, this mask from Chico Nortey presents a beautiful contrast of light and dark sese wood. The material's grain is accentuated by the artisan's careful sculpting, beautifully recreating a boa mask from the Congo. Chico Nortey strives to offer antique and modern items representative of the rich, cultural diversity of West Africa. |
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 Wood mask, 'River Goddess'
$139.95
now
on sale! $125.96
Bright beadwork adorns the serene features of a river goddess. Salihu Ibrahim creates an image from the Pende people of Zaire. Tassels of red thread complement the trade seed beads, and the piece receives an antique finish. Invoked during purification ceremonies of lakes, rivers and streams, the goddess protects her people from drowning. |
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 Wood mask, 'Initiation'
$89.95
The yaka mask marks a young man's rite of passage into adulthood according to the beliefs and customs of the people of Congo. Literally meaning "circumcision," the yaka mask is worn during a dance following the circumcision of young men, as they finish their initiation rites. Victor Yao Delanyo carves this extraordinary replica from sese wood and paints it by hand. The mask is embellished with a jute fiber beard. |
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 Congolese mask, 'Brave Police'
$89.95
now
on sale! $80.96
Salihu Ibrahim honors the artistic mysteries of the Songye people with this impressive, hand-carved mask. This tribe from Congo relies on farming and hunting, and is known to have several secret societies. They each have a distinctive form of artistry. Ibrahim replicates the mask that is usually reserved for the police or chieftain's guardians. |
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 Wood mask, 'Secret Initiation'
$84.99
Salihu Ibrahim hand-carves a compelling mask inspired by the customs of the Songye people from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Featuring three horns, this sese wood mask replicates the one worn during initiation meetings of the secret society, as well as during ceremonials to welcome visiting dignitaries. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Pride of Womanhood'
$69.99
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. They show that the teens have reached womanhood. Both boys and girls go through initiation to become responsible adult members of Lwalwa society, but masks are worn only during male Ngongo initiation. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Ancient River Goddess'
$149.95
now
on sale! $134.96
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. Invoked during purification ceremonies of lakes, rivers and streams, the goddess protects her people from drowning. This mask is an outstanding replica of rare old estate masks. |
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 Wood mask, 'Instrument of Power'
$62.99
Bright color distinguishes this beautiful mask from the Bakuba kingdom in Central Congo. Stripes cover the symmetrical features in a smooth work of minimalist elegance. Victor Yao Delanyo works in sese wood, carving, painting and polishing the piece by hand. Such masks are used as instruments of power for the king's police. |
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 Congolese wood mask, 'Social Wisdom'
$69.95
Serene and wise, the societal mask of the Kif Webe people in Congo is consulted to ward-off disaster. It is believed to have supernatural healing powers. "The stripes represent the world from which the spirit comes," explains Abubakari Alhassan. He carves the expressive mask from sese wood and decorates it with clay. |
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