 Wood mask, 'Mystery and Spirit'
$49.95
Lines, angles, and contours blend in visual harmony on this stunning sese wood mask by Daniel Nyadedzor. Hammered aluminum plates embellish the forehead andcheeks in this fine example of Baule art. Baoule art is recognized for its elegant forms and exceptional craftsmanship. This ritual mask is an adaptation of a traditional mask used for ceremonial dances. In the profoundly ritualistic and mystical Baule culture only men wear masks that are otherwise stored in a sacred shed away from the village. Offerings of food or palm wine are made here, and sometimes the men will gather to sing in honor of their gods without putting on the masks. |
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 Wood masks, 'The Ancient Men' (set of 3)
$112.95
The visages of these carvings reincarnate the splendor and power of ancient West African realms e the times of the Mali, Ghana, Songhai, and Benin empires. These exquisite masks by Madam Adwoa and artisans from her Onyame Akwan Dooso workshop keep the past alive. Carved by hand from native sese wood and finished in dark tan and mansion polish, they masterfully demonstrate West African art forms carried on by generation after generation. The faces are richly embellished with brass and beads to resemble the facial markings and decorations traditionally worn by such personalities. The central figure is a king; he is flanked by his subjects. This powerful trio adds a touch of majesty to any setting. |
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 Wood mask, 'Anii Maiden'
$42.95
A slender-faced maiden is demure with half-closed eyes. Caught up in a knot, her hair is surrounded with a geometric figure; lateral protrusions frame the elegant visage. Anii is a name given to a young girl in the Ivory Coast, where such masks are used by the Baule tribe during funeral rites. Victor Yao Delanyo sculpts the mask from sese wood and finishes it with dark tan polish. |
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 Wood mask, 'Scorpion Vigil'
$74.95
now
on sale! $67.46
Salihu Ibrahim carves an extraordinary replica of a Guro tribal mask, featuring the raised tail of a scorpion. It symbolizes vigilance and it is also intended to scare enemies away. For the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, masks are emblems of the spirits living in the underworld, which they worship and celebrate during special rituals. Ibrahim uses manual tools to procure the admirable detail that embellishes this sese wood mask. He uses kola nut and polish to stain the wood and achieve a lustrous finish. |
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 Wood mask, 'Protection and Blessings'
$74.95
now
on sale! $67.46
Crowned with the image of a crested bird, this mask symbolizes protection and blessings. Salihu Ibrahim carves the sese wood mask in the artistic tradition of the Guro tribe from the Ivory Coast. Noted for their zoomorphic features, the masks were believed to personify the spirits of the underworld. |
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 Wood mask, 'Scorpion Curse'
$159.95
For this mask, Evans Doe Martey finds inspiration in the beliefs and customs of the Baoule people of the Ivory Coast. It features the face of a woman carved on a leaf together with the image of a scorpion. The Baoule hang this type of masks on palace walls and shrines for they believe the scorpion, as a spirit of a god, will punish the hidden criminal when cursed with this mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Underworld Spirit'
$92.95
Crowned by a coiling serpent, a smooth visage surges from an ornate oval. The three-dimensional features boast blue tribal marks and narrow eyes. Working in polished sese wood, Abdul Karim Star sculpts an elongated mask to portray a Guro personage. Guro masks are emblems of the spirits of the underworld venerated by the Guro tribe in the Ivory Coast. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit of Love'
$127.95
Slanting eyes are defined in red in an antique style mask by Evans Doe Martey. Carving the fluid form from sese wood, he depicts a spirit of the Dogon tribe. It represents a caring spirit that gives love. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit of the Bush'
$44.95
now
on sale! $40.46
Faceless and featuring horns in the shape of the sun, this checkered mask replicates the artistry of the Bondoukou people from the Ivory Coast. The mask represents the spirit of the bush and it's worn during ceremonial dances. Salihu Ibrahim hand-carves a fascinating sese wood piece and paints it with acrylics. |
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 Ivorian mask, 'Honor to Ancestors'
$137.95
now
on sale! $124.16
The distinctive stylizations of this sese wood mask evoke the tribal artistry of the Baule people, from Ivory Coast. Salihu Ibrahim presents an admirable replica as he carves the mask by hand. According to Baule tradition, this type of mask is worn to pay homage to their ancestors. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Baule Warrior'
$99.95
now
on sale! $89.96
This attractive mask by Salihu Ibrahim personifies a brave Baule warrior from Ivory Coast. He carves the sese wood mask by hand featuring long horns and slightly closed eyes. The mask is worn once a year to commemorate war victories. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Baule King'
$112.95
now
on sale! $101.66
This mask may only be worn by the Baule king of Ivory Coast. It features a regal face in the center and two smaller faces above it as a sign of his power. Salihu Ibrahim honors legendary traditions with a hand-carved sese wood mask. |
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 Ivoirian wood mask, 'Betrothed'
$72.99
By Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah, this elegant mask represents the Grebo people of the Ivory Coast. A bird perches on the forehead of a shy maiden whose face is adorned with brass repousse. These are worn by royal girls who are betrothed but who have not yet left home to marry. |
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 Ivoirian wood mask, 'Peacemaker'
$79.95
"This mask is a provider of peace," Robert Nortey says. Deftly carving sese wood, he depicts a solemn personage whose beard is touched with gray. The piece is representative of the Guro people of Ivory Coast. It is often worn during ceremonies, and is considered good for settling quarrels and resolving demonic rituals. |
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 Wood mask, 'Compassion and Bravery'
$77.99
This noble mask is adorned with the horns of a ram and a bird leaning forward. For the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, this mask symbolizes bravery and compassion. Salihu Ibrahim replicates the artistic traditions of the Guro people, who include animal depictions in their masks to personify the spirits of the underworld. A captivating piece, this sese wood mask is stained with polish and finished with kola nut. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bird Protector'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
A graceful bird alights atop a bearded face with animal ears. Melding human and zoomorphic features, Salihu Ibrahim sculpts a mesmerizing image. The graceful sese wood mask comes from the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, where they represent the spirits of the underworld. This design symbolizes protection. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bravery of the Goat'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Tall antelope horns and curling ram horns adorn this Guro mask, believed to invoke the spirits of the underworld. This image by Salihu Ibrahim symbolizes great bravery. Emerging from the features of a goat, a human face forms a link between the living and their ancestors. |
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 Wood mask, 'Elephant Might'
$112.95
now
on sale! $101.66
An elephant rises tall above this mask by Salihu Ibrahim. The long, strong trunk reaches downward to explore the proud personage it crowns. Ibrahim finds an exquisite balance in the divided beard and elongated earrings, demonstrating his refined esthetic. Hand-carved of African sese wood, the mask comes from the Guro tribe from Cote d'Ivoire; the mighty elephant symbolizes strength. |
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 Wood mask, 'Monkey Ghost'
$52.95
now
on sale! $47.66
Glowing with ardent color, fiery eyes bring this ghostlike mask to life. A symbol of ancestral spirits among the Guro people of Cete d'Ivoire, it features an abstract monkey. Tribal markings grace the cheeks of the mysterious personage, expertly carved by Salihu Ibrahim. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Baule Prince'
$114.95
now
on sale! $103.46
This mask may only be worn by the Baule prince of Ivory Coast during harvest celebrations. Salihu Ibrahim honors legendary traditions with a hand-carved sese wood mask. |
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 Malian wood mask, 'Spirit Protector'
$79.95
Walter Kuma offers this spectacular mask for protection. "In Mali it is known as Kotoklo, and it is said to ward off evil spirits," explains the master carver. The sese wood mask features embossed aluminum plates and two powerful swords depicted by the temples. |
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 Wood masks, 'Men from Afar' (pair)
$114.95
Named Ye Firi Ekyiri, "we come from afar," this pair of masks expresses a distant allure. Hand-carved from sese wood, the natural contours are adorned with an intriguing application of color. Brass and aluminum accents - chosen for their tensile strength - further complement the fascinating design with hammered delicacy. Madam Adwoa's artistry is representative of the Guro tribe of the Ivory Coast. |
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 Wood mask, 'A Cry for Peace'
$87.95
now
on sale! $79.16
The Dan tribe primarily lives in the Ivory Coast and Liberia, where they arrived in the 8th Century B.C. This mask by Robert Nortey and the artists of Robandy Limited reflects their traditional artistry, characterized by solemn, elongated features. Brass plates adorn the cheeks and forehead, suggesting a battle-scarred warrior. The name Eni Bri literally translates as "difficult time," thus the work symbolizes a cry for peace. Red eyes and an open mouth enhance this sentiment, as the effects of war have devastated the subject. |
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 Wood mask, 'Night Guardian'
$49.95
Slender and graceful, this mask is a peaceful presence. Triangular plates of embossed brass heighten its elongated symmetry, adding textural interest. Among the Dan people of the Ivory Coast, such masks are used to settle strife and protect newborn babies from malevolent spirits. Victor Yao Delanyo sculpts the piece from sese wood and finishes it with dark tan polish. He names it Kitiwa, an Akan word meaning "small." |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit Power'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Salihu Ibrahim carves an impressive mask with the artistic stylizations of the Guro people from the Ivory Coast. For them, masks are emblems of the spirits living in the underworld, which they worship and celebrate during special rituals. Carved of sese wood, this mask features the coiled horns of a ram, traditionally regarded as a status symbol of power. |
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 Wood mask, 'Brave and Noble'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Salihu Ibrahim carves this remarkable mask, featuring two chins and two sets of horns as symbols of nobility and bravery. Ibrahim replicates the artistic traditions of the Guro people, who include animal depictions in their masks to personify the spirits of the underworld. A captivating piece, this sese wood mask is stained with polish and finished with kola nut. |
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 Wood mask, 'King Who Loves Peace'
$49.95
Horns crown the narrow face of an African king. Carved with only hand tools from naturally-dried sese wood, the piece slopes dramatically from a smooth forehead to a pointed chin; a slim nose elongates the visage. Nana Adu Amankwapam commemorates Tufu Baule, king of the Baoule people of Cote d'Ivoire. Known as a peace lover, Tufu's portrait masks are often displayed in homes. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bravery in Battle'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
An intriguing visage shows strong, youthful contours, topped by a horn-like headdress. Hand-carved by Salihu Ibrahim, the smoothly polished personage emanates quiet courage. Hewn from sese wood, its style reflects the designs of the Dan people who inhabit the mountainous regions of the Ivory Coast. This mask is used during wars and symbolizes bravery. |
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 Wood mask, 'Baoule Spirit Dance'
$77.95
Seemingly surprised, a watchful personage bares its teeth. Horns crown the circular mask, and intricate geometric patterns surround it. Depicted in hand-carved sese wood, a minor spirit masks young men dancers from the Baoule tribe of the Ivory Coast. Victor Yao Delanyo recreates a design used in the Goli spirit dance, as men of junior rank dance before their seniors. |
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 Wood mask, 'Young Bambara Boy'
$69.95
Burnished brass brings a feeling of opulence to an aristocratic personage from the Bambara people of Mali. Representing a young man, its proud features are sculpted from African sese wood. Such masks are worn by uncircumcised boys after the millet harvest in Mali where, during the time of threshing, dances are performed. Victor Yao Delanyo names his work Wara, meaning "Messenger." |
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 Wood mask, 'Bird of New Life'
$82.95
Majestically ornate, this mask of Bobo origin (Mali) features a round-headed bird with a tall crest and long beak. Abubakari Alhassan carves an impressive sese wood replica of the traditional mask, usually worn during ceremonies that celebrate new crops and initiation rites as well as at funerals. The mask stands on an iron base. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit of Mischief'
$42.95
now
on sale! $38.66
Smiling amid sunny rays, a playful character wears a hollow halo. Salihu Ibrahim portrays a kplekple (minor spirit). Used in the Goli spirit dance, such masks are considered mischievous; they are often worn by young men who playfully chase girls around the village. |
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 Wood mask, 'Gentle Guro Antelope'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
Slender horns crown a verdant personage who represents the spirit of the antelope. This mask by Salihu Ibrahim replicates the art of the Guro people from the Ivory Coast. Masks represent the spirits of their underworld and are used in ritual context. The antelope is regarded as one of the gentlest and most peaceful animals of the savannah. |
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 Malian wood mask, 'Bambara Antelope'
$164.95
An antelope stands tall and proud to crown this handsome mask. Samuel and Francis Agbetey's artistic sensitivity permits them to capture the nature of the slim, quick animal. Among Mali's Bambara people, such masks are used by members of the tji (work) wara (animal) society that encourages the community's cooperation to ensure a successful crop. A mythical antelope is believed to have taught men how to farm. The Agbeteys adorn the hand-carved mask with brass repousse, jute and tufts of goat fur. |
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 Malian wood mask, 'Origin of Death'
$74.95
Serene features and the veiled gaze of dark eyes hint at eternal rest. By Robert Nortey, this mask represents Mali's Dogo people. He names it Dama for the ceremony held to accompany the dead into the ancestral realm and restore order to the universe. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Female Baule Fertility Mask'
$92.95
now
on sale! $83.66
Salihu Ibrahim faithfully replicates the fertility mask of the Baule people of Ivory Coast. He carves the sese wood mask by hand with female features including a comb in her hair and inverted triangles on the cheeks. The mask is worn during special festivities for a good harvest. |
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 Malian wood mask, 'Elite Appreciation'
$54.95
Sefah Mohammed replicates the unique artistry of the Sanga people with this handsome mask. Sanga (or Sangha) is a group of thirteen villages in the Dogon region of Mali, known as a religious center with many temples and shrines, and is a base for visitors to the local Dogon villages. They bring this mask as a gift to the elite members of the community to show appreciation for their help. Mohammed carves this piece from sese wood and decorates it with clay and painted motifs to achieve an antique illusion. |
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 Wood mask, 'The Hunter'
$77.95
Bold red features contrast vividly with concentric rings of black and white. This dramatic zebra mask is awarded to great hunters in the Dan culture, where it is considered a symbol of their prowess and agility. Artisans at Mac Raymonds Wood Works carve the mask from sese wood, and paint the details by hand. |
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 Wood mask, 'Guro Star'
$77.95
With eyes half closed, a serenely beautiful figure belongs to the spirit world. A radiant halo seems to frame his smooth face. Abdul Karim Star sculpts a mask from the Guro tribe of the Ivory Coast. Such masks symbolize the bravery of the ancestors and are venerated; this particular work is worn to worship the star god. Star carves the mask from naturally dried sese wood and applies dark tan polish. |
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 Wood mask, 'Brave and Strong'
$74.95
now
on sale! $67.46
This face of solemn expression bears on its head the image of an elephant. For the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, this mask signifies strength and bravery. Guro masks are emblems of the spirits living in the underworld, which they worship and celebrate during special rituals and festivities. Salihu Ibrahim uses manual tools to carve this sese wood mask with the detailed care that characterizes Guro artistry. |
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 Wood mask, 'Kind Love'
$74.95
now
on sale! $67.46
Leaning forward with words of wisdom, a bird of mystic origin crowns this sese wood mask. For the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, this mask symbolizes kindness and love. Salihu Ibrahim uses manual tools to carve this mask with the detailed care that characterizes Guro artistry. For them, masks personify the spirits of the underworld. |
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 Wood mask, 'Dan Adolescent'
$67.95
Smooth features depict an adolescent about to undergo the rites of passage to adulthood. It represents the Dan tribe of Cote d'Ivoire, and the mask's wearer prepares for a life of commitment to self, community and God. Evans Doe Martey hand-carves the elegant piece from naturally dried sese wood and polishes it to a burnished sheen. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Baule Princess'
$124.95
now
on sale! $112.46
Beautiful and regal, this mask is presented to the princess by the Baule king of Ivory Coast. He gives it to her on her 17th birthday to commemorate her coming of age, and she will keep it until she marries and has a daughter. Salihu Ibrahim honors legendary traditions with a hand-carved sese wood mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Kweke'
$49.95
The style of this handcrafted mask by Daniel Nyadedzor derives from the artistry traditional to the Cote d'Ivoire. The name Kweke means "to forgive," this message clear in its wise expression. The piece is carved from local sese wood and adorned with aluminum plates curving from just below the eyes down to the mouth. On its forehead rests a diamond-shaped design, complementing the inherent symbol of peace. The mask is delicately painted with red oils and finished with a neutral polish, the result an impressive addition to an eclectic decor. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit Dancer'
$49.95
A squared visage with horns looks at the world with shining eyes. Abdul Karim Star portrays a kplekple (minor spirit) of the Goli people. Used in the Goli spirit dance, such masks are considered mischievous; they are often worn by young men who playfully chase girls around the village. Star sculpts the piece from sese wood, adding details with oil paints. He finishes the mask, named "Goli Kplekple," with mansion polish. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Baule Queen'
$114.95
now
on sale! $103.46
This mask may only be worn by the Baule queen of Ivory Coast. It features a regal face in the center surrounded by four horns to symbolize her status. Salihu Ibrahim honors legendary traditions with a hand-carved sese wood mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Expert in Law'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
Salihu Ibrahim accentuates facial features with angular force, portraying an important personage of the Dan people. The artisan elicits subtle drama from the smooth sese wood surfaces, burnished with mansion polish. Emanating strength, the mask exercises great authority within the tribe. Its role is to reduce conflict or settle legal battles. |
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 Wood mask, 'Arches'
$57.95
This enchanting piece by Ernestina Oppong is adapted from a traditional design of the Dan people of Cote d'Ivoire. Ancient masks of this type were worn on various occasions, especially used for dancing during festivals and ceremonies. Generally adorned with metal plates on the cheeks and beautiful African symbols, the piece features a horn arching high above its head. Hewn from sese wood and painted with blue, white and cream emulsion paints, it makes a wonderful addition to the home collection. |
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 Wood mask, 'Strong Man'
$59.95
Inspired by the customs of the Baoule people from the Ivory Coast, Victor Yao Delanyo carves a splendid replica of a museum piece. The mask portrays a strong man with an elaborate coiffure and tribal markings across his cheeks. According to Baoule custom, this type of mask is worn for magical practices celebrated during the funeral of person from a sect or secret society. 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, 'Dancing Dan'
$39.95
This intriguing mask by Gordon Adu is shaped like a coffee bean. Adorned with tribal markings, it depicts a dancer from the Dan tribe of Cete deIvoire and parts of Liberia. Masks like this one are worn during festivities and also make an appearance for funeral rites. |
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 Wood mask, 'Love Whispers'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
Whispering words of love, his serene countenance reveals tender and noble sentiments. The enamoured personage represents the Dan people who inhabit the mountainous regions of the Ivory Coast. Renowned for their mask tradition, they ably depict an astonishing range of expression in their hand-carved works. Salihu Ibrahim creates a mask that symbolizes love. |
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 Wood mask, 'Kulango God of the Earth'
$44.95
now
on sale! $40.46
Bold color heightens the drama of this enigmatic mask with its crown of circular horns. Meticulously carved by Salihu Ibrahim, it represents the earth god, Tano, who is honored with an annual festival by the Kulango people of Cete d'Ivoire. |
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 Wood mask, 'Ancient Baule Warrior'
$79.95
An empowered expression defines this mask by Ernestina Oppong Asante. Featuring the face of an ancient warrior, its style originates from the Baule people of Cote d'Ivoire. Baule art is well known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and Ernestina uses select sese wood to pay reverence to this hallowed tradition. Brass plates contrast the dark smoothness of the surface, complemented by dotted applications of tiny beads. The red beads forming the eyebrows symbolize the blood shed by this warrior's ancestors. An unforgettable addition to the home decor, it is finished in mansion polish and black polish. |
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 Wood mask, 'Courage of the Dan'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Reduced to a minimalist portrait, human features adopt the powerful curved beak of a bird. Salihu Ibrahim explores the icons of the Dan people of Cete deIvoire with this hand-carved mask. The mask is used in ceremonies to prepare for war and also when negotiating peace. |
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 Wood mask, 'Flying Spirit'
$42.95
now
on sale! $38.66
Crowned with double horns, this mask by Salihu Ibrahim depicts a bird that represents a flying spirit. The design comes from the Bwa tribe of Cete d'Ivoire, and these spirits are portrayed with geometric shapes as they have no physical form. Bright color distinguishes the handsome carving. |
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 Wood mask, 'Dan Mediator'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
Speaking in a low voice, a gentle personage wears a contemplative expression. Burnished contours exhibit proud inner strength, hand carved from African sese wood. Salihu Ibrahim portrays a personage from the Dan people who inhabit the mountainous regions of the Ivory Coast. This mask is thought to play a mediating role between humans and the supreme being. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bird Guardian'
$92.95
now
on sale! $83.66
A graceful bird alights atop a bearded face in a graceful mask. Fluid in its beauty, the sese wood carving comes from the Guro people of Cete d'Ivoire, where such masks represent the spirits of the underworld. This elegant piece by Salihu Ibrahim symbolizes protection. |
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 Malian wood mask, 'Water God'
$62.95
Named Baki Ja e "Round Mask" in the language of Mali e this piece represents Ara, a water god. Wave motifs executed in white clay flow across the symmetrical features. Sefah Mohammed presents an African mask said to ward off evil spirits. |
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 Wood mask, 'Secrets'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Detailed with extraordinary care, this sese wood mask replicates the art of the Senufo people from the Ivory Coast. The tribe includes numerous secret societies, which the Senufo people honor with impressive masks and carved fetishes. Masks represent the spirits of their ancestors. Salihu Ibrahim uses manual tools to replicate this mask with faithful detail, including tribal markings on the face, crowned with the head of an antelope. |
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 Wood fertility doll, 'Two in One'
$49.95
Looking downward with thoughtful eyes, a smooth face with wide forehead stands on a long, graceful neck. Perched above, a doll-like woman extends her arms. Abdul Karim Star sculpts a fertility doll from sese wood, burnished to a sheen with mansion polish. Among the Akan people of Ghana, such dolls are powerful gifts for women wishing to conceive a child. |
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 Ivorian mask, 'Warrior's Protection'
$109.95
now
on sale! $98.96
The beliefs and customs of the Bete people from Ivory Coast inspire this admirable mask by Salihu Ibrahim. Carved by hand from sese wood, the mask is intended to confer warriors with a magical protection when battling enemies. The mask's impressive features were meant to instill fear and terror on their enemies. |
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 Ivorian mask, 'Beautiful Gu'
$127.95
now
on sale! $115.16
This mask of striking beauty personifies the spirit of Gu, wife of Zambie, a supernatural being. According to the beliefs of Ivory Coast's Guro people, the horns symbolize Gu's legendary elegance, serenity and beauty. They also symbolize her spiritual powers and they can hold magic potions or medicines to protect human lives. Salihu Ibrahim carves the sese wood mask with detailed finesse, decorating it with clay and polish. |
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 Wood masks, 'Baoule Asafo' (pair)
$212.95
Elongated headdresses implying extraordinary power, these exquisite masks by George Asante represent asafo, or warriors. Hand-carved of sese wood, they emulate traditional masks by the Ivorienne Baoule culture, worn to protect communities from evil, to celebrate festivals and harvests; to honor and entertain important personalities, as well as to commemorate the dead. Baoule masks are also worn by a judge who intends to inspire terror into the hearts of criminals. The same cultural setting is known to allow the use of smaller face masks with female features to entertain and honor community members. Asante stains the wood with black, dark tan, and red polish, and he embellishes each mask with applications of aluminum and brass embossed with mythical creatures. These splendid masks are an authentic expression of West African culture, an elegant addition to any decor. |
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 Wood mask, 'Togetherness'
$69.95
now
on sale! $62.96
To the Yaure people of the Ivory Coast this mask symbolizes togetherness. Carved of sese wood, a face of solemn features is crowned with the image of two birds face-to-face. Salihu Ibrahim crafts this replica by hand, and as the birds' beaks come into contact their bodies outline a heart. |
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 Wood mask, 'Kulango Earth God'
$42.95
now
on sale! $38.66
Circular horns crown this enigmatic personage by Salihu Ibrahim. It represents the earth god Tano, who is honored with an annual festival by the Kulango people of Cete d'Ivoire. Bold and colorful motifs heighten the drama of the mask's simple geometry. |
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 Ivoirian wood mask, 'Wisdom Horn'
$137.95
now
on sale! $124.16
Nana Frimpong depicts a horned deity from the Guro tribe of Cote d'Ivoire. Their masks represent spirits of the underworld and symbolize the bravery of the ancestors. Hand-carved of African sese wood, the mask is painted in sober earth colors. |
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 Ivoirian wood mask, 'Guardian Angel'
$102.95
A pale, calm personage displays a stylized horn on the forehead. "This is the preferred relation of a guardian angel that protects and guards the Yaure people of the central Ivory Coast," says artist Robert Nortey. "The mask is thought to protect them against invading spirits that can do harm." |
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 Wood mask, 'My Heart'
$47.95
Elongated contours of warm sese wood form a point at top and bottom; circular eyes and a small mouth confer an expression of surprise. This mask by Victor Yao Delanyo is sculpted by hand and adorned with rows of textured carvings. Used on special occasions by the Aniyi tribe in the Ivory Coast, the mask is named Mimu, which translates to "My Heart" in the Akan language. |
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 Wood mask, 'Secret Guro Bird'
$74.95
Hand-carved features glow with subtle color, while a bird perches atop the head of an enigmatic figure. Victor Yao Delanyo sculpts a mask in the style of the Guro tribe from the Ivory Coast. "I portray a Guro mask," Delanyo says. "It is used by secret societies during their ceremonies." Carved of seasoned sese wood, the piece is embellished with dark tan polish and painted by hand. |
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 Wood mask, 'Protecting the Traveler'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
The customs of the Ivory Coast inspire Salihu Ibrahim as he carves a magnificent Dan mask. The Dan, also known as the Yacouba, have traditionally inhabited the mountainous regions of the Ivory Coast. Transforming polished sese wood into an extraordinarily expressive mask, Ibrahim portrays a personage thought to protect people from the evil ones when they are away from home. |
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 Ivorian wood mask, 'Male Baule Fertility Mask'
$102.95
now
on sale! $92.66
Salihu Ibrahim faithfully replicates the fertility mask of the Baule people of Ivory Coast. He carves the sese wood mask by hand with male features including a beard and inverted triangles on the cheeks. The mask is worn during special festivities for a good harvest. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bold Steps'
$84.95
Revealing the power of authentic and ancestral design, Eric Darko depicts a narrow male visage in sese wood. Vertical protrusions, or horns, elongate his expression and a small beard adorns the chin. A ceremonial mask, it is used in many of the rituals and celebrations of the Dan tribe from the Ivory Coast. |
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 Wood mask, 'Eagle Blessings'
$99.95
now
on sale! $89.96
Honored by an eagle leaning forward, this mask symbolizes the bird's protection and blessings. Salihu Ibrahim carves the sese wood mask in the artistic tradition of the Guro tribe from the Ivory Coast. Noted for their zoomorphic features, the masks were believed to personify the spirits of the underworld. |
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 Wood mask, 'Guro Rabbit'
$77.95
now
on sale! $70.16
Long ears listen attentively, turning this way and that. The face of a man emerges from a mysterious rabbit visage, sculpted in warm sese wood. Salihu Ibrahim explores images from the Guro people of the Ivory Coast, where such masks represent the spirits of the underworld. |
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 Wood mask, 'Guro Wise Man'
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
Known to be a wise reptile, the snake lends its tail to this design as a symbol of wisdom. Salihu Ibrahim carves a mask from the Guro tribe of Cete d'Ivoire, where they represent spirits of the underworld. Deep, rich color lends a mystical effect to the handsome personage. |
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 Wood mask, 'Sacred Kanaga'
$164.95
now
on sale! $148.46
Originally designed for sacred e and secret e rituals, the Kanaga mask originates from Dogon religious customs. Salihu Ibrahim replicates the mask with extraordinary attention to detail, keen to preserve Dogon stylizations. The mask features the face of a fierce beast with a raffia mane. Featuring horns and pointy tusks, the visage serves as a fearsome vision. On its forehead, the piece features an eagle with its beak inside another animal. Finally, the sese wood mask features red cotton earrings with red beads. Hailing from Mali, Dogon custom dictates that only the village's blacksmith can craft the Kanaga mask, inside a secret cave. The mask is to be fashioned after a wild forest hog. Whomsoever wears the Kanaga mask during the Dogon's sacred ceremonies is believed to become the Creator, symbolically. Nowadays these dances are performed for the public yet there are Dogon people who fear, respect and depend on the power of the mask, and thus are very respectful Kanaga. |
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 Wood mask, 'Avenger'
$39.95
Abubakari Alhassan carves an impressive sese wood mask featuring a small face under a rather tall headdress. It is inspired by the customs of the Fang people of Gabon. The mask is worn to seek out and punish criminals. Featuring tiny eyes that glare with suspicion, it is said the high arched eyebrows can instill fear on those who see the mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Youthful Spirit Dance'
$64.95
now
on sale! $58.46
Elegant textures adorn this horned mask by Salihu Ibrahim. With its simplified line and stylized features, it represents a minor spirit. Such masks are worn by the junior rank of male dancers among the Baule people of Cete d'Ivoire. Ibrahim names the hand-carved piece Kple Kple, or "Youthful Spirit." |
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