 Wood mask, 'Horn'
$79.95
This magnificent mask originates from the people of Yoruba in Nigeria. Over time, the mask's style has been added upon by other regions on the continent - providing new decorative materials such as beads and brass. The mask is skillfully hand-carved from sese wood, and it features engaging horns that traditionally signify strength. The Yorubas then believed that whoever wore this mask adapted its powers. It is adorned with aluminum metal plates, red tones for the eyes and lips, African symbols beautifully arranged over the piece. A remarkable image of strength for any home interior. |
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 Ghanaian mask, 'Rain Priest'
$67.95
now
on sale! $61.16
A refreshing shade of green colors this sese wood mask by Robert Nortey. The mask replicates the art of the Gonja people of Ghana, and it is traditionally worn by the priest when asking God to send rain. It is also used in trials. |
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 Ghanaian mask, 'Forest Spirit'
$67.95
Robert Nortey finds inspiration in the beliefs and customs of the Gonja people (Ghana) for this extraordinary mask. "The mask personifies the major forest spirit that manifests its power by devouring boys at the end of their initiation period, so they may be reborn as men," explains Nortey. "This mask is worn during the festival of the initiation rites and it can only be worn by men." |
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 Burkina Faso mask, 'Initiation'
$192.95
Repeating triangular shapes, Nii Noi 'Chico' Nortey carves an enigmatic mask. Iron rings adorn the helmet and narrow nose. Applications of white clay give an antique effect to the piece, representative of the Dogon from Mali and Burkina Faso. This mask is used for initiation rites as young boys are ushered into into adulthood. |
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 Wood mask, 'New Classic'
$79.95
Master carver Daniel Asante expands on Ghana's mask traditions for the exclusive design of this mask. It is carved of tweneboah wood featuring a bird looking downwards upon the face. Asante paints his original creation by hand and decorates it with cotton and rayon threads that appear like earrings. |
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 Guinea wood mask, 'Good Luck Dance'
$99.95
This festive dance mask of the Nzerekore people in Guinea Forestiere is worn during special ceremonies, such as initiation rites. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah carves it by hand from sese wood with admirable artistry, and decorates it with recycled glass beads and colorful cotton. Embossed brass throughout the face replicates tribal scarifications. |
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 Senegalese wood mask, 'Kele Initiation'
$62.95
An ornate headdress as tall as the face crowns an opulent mask. Symmetrical features taper to a pointed beard, and incised motifs complement applications of brass repousse. By Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah, this mask is used to initiate the leader of a secret society among Senegal's Kele people. |
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 Senegalese wood mask, 'Plea for Harvest'
$62.95
Worn by the Fleke tribe of Senegal during the season of planting crops, this mask represents a plea for a good harvest. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah carves it by hand, adding rich textures with embossed aluminum. Details in warm color enhance an exceptional piece of West African art. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Harvest Festival'
$69.95
Robert Nortey carves a beautiful sese wood replica of the Suaga mask of the Mambila people. They live south of the Adamana Mountains on the border between Cameroon and Nigeria -- either can be considered as their country of origin. The Suaga mask is used during the festival of the same name, which marks the beginning and the end of the agricultural cycle. Nortey adorns the mask with embossed aluminum plates to resemble tribal scarifications. |
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 Yoruban wood mask, 'She Brings Good'
$327.95
now
on sale! $295.16
By Abubakari Alhassan, this mask is named Ekpa. In the language of Nigeria's Yoruba people, Ekpa means "Good Things." "It is used for dancing during festivals to show happiness," Alhassan explains. He carves the woman's visage from sese wood and gives it an antique finish. It is worn on the head like a helmet. |
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 Yoruban wood mask, 'He Brings Good'
$327.95
By Abubakari Alhassan, this mask is named Ekpa. In the language of Nigeria's Yoruba people, Ekpa means "Good Things." "It is used for dancing during festivals to show happiness," Alhassan explains. He carves the man's visage from sese wood and gives it an antique finish. It is worn on the head like a helmet. |
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 Yoruban wood mask, 'Good Luck'
$327.95
Horns wrap around the head of a bearded man. By Abubakari Alhassan, this mask is named Gelede, or "Good Luck" in the language of Nigeria's Yoruba people. He carves the piece from sese wood to emulate an antique. Worn on the head like a helmet, such pieces are used when there are signs of a good harvest. |
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 Yoruba wood mask, 'Horn Dancing'
$44.95
Brandishing long horns, this mask symbolizes power. The Yoruba people of Nigeria believe the wearer will be endowed with the mask's powerful energies. Wilson Aboagye carves this stunning version by hand of local sese wood. He decorates it with embossed brass plates to resemble scarification. This horn mask is worn for dancing as well as for covering one's face when meeting the king. |
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 Sudanese wood mask, 'Source of Power'
$54.95
A turban crowns this elongated mask with its enigmatic features. Carved and painted by hand, the mask is believed to be a source of power for chiefs in Sudan. Sefah Mohammed presents a design placed in front of Sudanese royal palaces. |
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 Ethiopian wood mask, 'Hail to the Chief'
$59.95
This mask of noble visage was often used by Ethiopian Chiefs to symbolize their authority. Sefah Mohammed replicates the mask with astute artistry as he carves it by hand from local sese wood. He paints and decorates it with clay and embossed aluminum plates, loyally adhering to the unique artistry of Ethiopia's Gauta people, whose name literally means "garden eggs." |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Queen Mother'
$52.95
Sefah Mohammed honors the artistic customs and traditions of the Sahelian people with this attractive mask. Carved by hand of sese wood, it represents the Queen Mother and her trademark braided hair. Mohammed calls this mask kiso, which in the Hausa language of Nigeria's Sahelian people means "braided." The mask is painted and decorated with an aluminum diamond on the forehead, and clay for an antique finish. |
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 Ethiopian wood mask, 'Berber Man'
$54.95
now
on sale! $49.46
By Sefah Mohammed, this handsome mask represents a man from the Berber peoples of North Africa. The symmetrical features receive a coat of textured color, and a hat crowns the mask. Named Faadi, "lengthy mask" in the language of Ethiopia, it represents the pieces used during Berber sun god festivals. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bright Ghost'
$67.95
Bright eyes rimmed in yellow mesmerize the viewer; they dominate an elongated visage. Heightening the sense of gauntness, a narrow nose runs from lips to forehead and a spiky halo frames theface. Nana Adu Amankwapam presents a ghost mask, carved of sese wood and adorned with copper, brass and beadwork. Among the Akwuapem people of eastern Ghana, such masks are used during festivals. |
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 Wood mask, 'Antelope'
$82.95
Victor Yao Delanyo crafts the ornate mask of a karumba ("antelope"), believed to drive away the spirits of the deceased. The Arinbinda people from Upper Volta wear this mask during a mourning period; they tie the mask around their head with their plaits. Delanyo carves this extraordinary piece from sese wood using manual tools. The antelope's face is covered with finely embossed brass plates. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit of the Forest'
$79.95
Inspired by the mystic art of Liberia, Victor Yao Delanyo carves a faithful replica of Ngere, the spirit of the forest. Delanyo carves the mask from sese wood using manual tools to obtain the expressive detail that enlivens this piece. The face features two mouths, and the mask is crowned with the head and the horns of a goat, symbolizing Ngere's power. Once the wood has dried after carving, Delanyo proceeds to paint it by hand and finally he polishesit, creating the illusion of an antique mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Crowned by Ducks'
$49.95
now
on sale! $44.96
Ducks crown an enigmatic visage, whose mouth turns down in a frown. Stern eyes are centered by an embossed brass plate and colorful trade seed beads form the moustache. Working in sese wood, Nana Adu Amankwapam I creates a mask of unusual beauty. |
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 Wood mask, 'Enforcer of the Law'
$59.95
now
on sale! $53.96
Crowned by a bird, white features in a heart-shaped face suggest a relationship with the dead. Victor Yao Delanyo represents an adult male from Ekpo, the principal mask society of Nigeria's Ibibio tribe. Black circles around the eyes, nostrils and lips lend a menacing effect to the mask, used to ensure social order. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bobo Boar'
$74.95
A single horn falls from the forehead of this fanciful creature, superbly carved from sese wood. It represents a boar. Evans Doe Martey recreates a mask from the Bobo people of Burkina Faso. |
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 Wood mask, 'Spirit Blessings'
$47.95
now
on sale! $43.16
A quiet brown sparrow perches atop this elegant mask by Salihu Ibrahim. Symbol of ancestral spirits, the design honors the bird spirit to obtain its blessings. Even features suggest strength of character, while subtle color lends a regal effect to the design. It comes from the Guro people of Cete d'Ivoire. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'Protective Star'
$47.99
A star person peers earthward from the sky, promising protection at night from the evil ones. Wilson Aboagye carves a beautiful Ghanaian mask, its dark, polished contours are embellished with brass repousse. It depicts the star god revered by people in the area of Aburi in Eastern Ghana. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'Akwapim Protector'
$82.95
An elongated face stares with worried eyes, his brow wrinkled with concern. This beautiful mask comes from the Akwapim people from the area around Aburi in Ghana. Named Banbofo (Protector), it is masterfully carved by Walter Kuma. Community priests utilize such masks to ward off danger from illness, evil spirits and hunting. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'Good Things at Harvest'
$84.95
Warm earth colors cover the smooth features of a Ghanaian mask. Masterfully carved and painted by hand, it is representative of the Akwapim people from the area around Aburi. Walter Kuma names his creation Addae Pa, meaning "good thing," as these masks are used to welcome the new harvest. |
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 Ewe wood mask, 'Purification'
$89.95
Solemn and beautiful, this mask is used to purify the village after a death and help the deceased's soul on its way to a final resting place. It comes from the Ewe people of Ghana's Volta region and is masterfully carved by Walter Kuma. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'First Fruit'
$89.95
This handsome mask takes the shape of ripe fruit from the first harvest. Its handsome features seem to sing in a beautiful ritual of thanks. Walter Kuma carves the piece by hand to represent the customs of the Dagomba people of northern Ghana. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'Unite in Peace'
$99.95
A bird bows gracefully on the forehead of this mask by Walter Kuma. Smaller faces appear over each ear. From Ghana's Akwapim people from the area around Aburi, the piece is named Binkabi (bite not one another). During the annual festival, such masks are used to encourage the people to unite in peace. |
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 Akan mask, 'Humbleness'
$64.95
A sense of shyness and discretion exudes from this hand-carved sese wood mask by Daniel Sackey. Intended for entertainment during ceremonies, the mask reminds of the importance of being humble. The Akan people of Ghana call this mask Ahobrasee. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Ibo Farmer'
$82.95
now
on sale! $74.66
Salihu Ibrahim replicates the striking mask of an Ibo farmer from Nigeria. Carved by hand of sese wood, the mask features a gun between the eyes with a cross above it. "It means the farmer must never use his gun on his fellow human beings," explains the master carver, who decorates the mask with clay and polish. |
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 Senegalese wood mask, 'Never Be Cruel'
$74.95
Representing love, greatness and success, this handsome mask is carved by hand. Raindrop patterns adorn the wide forehead while intricate aluminum repousse adds texture to the cheeks. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah presents an image from Senegal's Kele people. The mask reminds hunters to never be cruel to fellow human beings. |
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 Guinean wood mask, 'Konde Princess'
$72.99
Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah finds inspiration in Guinean arts and customs as he crafts this mask by hand. It is known as the Konde princess mask by the people of Kouroussa, and it is used in dancing to invoke "konde," meaning hope and love. At night it is said to ward off evil spirits. Working with sese wood, Nkrumah decorates the mask with a bird looking downward. Ornately embossed aluminum and brass plates complete the allure of this stunning mask. |
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 Yoruba ceramic mask, 'Yoruba Chiefs'
$39.95
This mask of regal visage is known as the Festac mask of Nigeria's Yoruba people. The name Festac is an abbreviation for the Festival of Art and Culture, attended by all the chiefs. Over time, other regions on the continent have innovated upon the mask's design. Azariah Norteye creates an admirable ceramic version featuring several heads as an impressive headdress. The face is marked with the traditional scarifications of the Yoruba. A hole in the back facilitates hanging. |
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 Dan wood mask, 'Judge'
$109.95
Ibrahim Mohammed creates an impressive replica of a Dan judiciary mask used for dancing during initiation rites. He carves it by hand of local nyame dua wood and decorates it with a red staff over the nose and black area around the mouth, symbol of its judiciary status. The Dan people come from Liberia and Cete deIvoire and they believe all creatures have a spirit soul, imparted by the creator god, Xra, through birth. Often the spirit will request the chosen person to dance, wearing a mask to illustrate the spirit's embodiment. Mohammed finishes each piece with clay, sand and powder to achieve an antique, rugged look. |
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 Cameroon wood mask, 'Fishermen's Deity'
$59.95
By Sefah Mohammed, this handsome mask represents a deity venerated by fishermen in Cameroon. He carves the piece by hand, adding beautiful colors and applications of white clay. Such masks receive sacrifices to assure a plentiful catch. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Twin Spirit'
$59.95
The art and customs of Nigeria's Ibo people inspire this colorful mask with the head of an elephant. Sefah Mohammed carves it by hand of sese wood and decorates it with clay and embossed aluminum plates. The Ibo people look upon the birth of twins as a special blessing. They have one of the highest twin birth rates in the world, but they also have a high mortality rate among twins. Therefore mothers often commission a carver to create a small wooden figure or ere ibeji to look after the children's soul. In case of this mask, it is believed the elephant's strength will be passed unto the twins. |
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 Wood masks, 'Tumi Mmen' (set of 3)
$112.95
now
on sale! $101.66
This set of three masks mirrors the artistic and aesthetic elegance of West Africa as they recall the power and glory of an ancestor, possibly a high priest, war hero, or royal person. Their high-ranking position or spiritual significance is noted by the horns on their head, hence the name of this trio, Tumi Mmen - the "horns of power and influence." Madam Adwoa and the artisans at her workshop, Onyame Akwan Dooso, recreate the images in sese wood with hand-made tools. The central mask features brass plates and copper wiring to resemble the facial markings and decorations traditionally worn by such personalities. A powerful triad, these masks are certain command notoriety in a tasteful setting. |
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 Wood mask, 'Horned Bobo'
$97.95
Powerful horns rise upward to curl down again, their smooth surface decorated in contrasting zigzags. Louis K. Botchway sculpts a handsome mask in sese wood. The small, circular face shows triangular eyes and a long, stylized nose. This example of Bobo art is worn during rituals and ceremonies. The Bobos escaped Moshie subjugation and settled around Bobo Dioulasso, west of Burkina Faso. They are renowned for their mask traditions. |
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 Ewe mask, 'Splendor of Life'
$42.95
This sese wood mask by master carver Wilson Aboagye personifies the optimistic spirit of Ghana's Ewe people. A small bird poses on the mask's forehead to symbolize love, for the mask is known as Agabvi, meaning "life is full of splendor and enchantment." |
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 Burkina Faso wood mask, 'Bobo Chieftain'
$114.95
Carved by hand with stately symmetry, this mask is representative of Bobo art. Such masks are worn during funeral rites for prominent chiefs and leaders. Repousse in brass and aluminum adorns the handsome features in a beautiful piece by Kwaku Ofosuhene Apenteng. The Bobos escaped Moshie subjugation and settled around Bobo Dioulasso, west of Burkina Faso. They are renowned for their mask traditions. |
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 Yoruba wood mask, 'Chief's Staff'
$54.95
Sefah Mohammed finds inspiration in the art of Nigeria's Yoruba people for the creation of this ornate mask. It crowns the staff used by the Yoruba Igwe ("chief"), and it is known as the "Haske" (bright) mask. Carved of sese wood, the mask is decorated with clay and embossed aluminum plates. |
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 Wood mask, 'Beaded Maiden'
$47.95
Crowned by a circular headdress, a young woman boasts a wide band of multicolor beads across her forehead. Brass repousse adorns her cheeks and subtle color highlights her maidenly beauty. Named Dzome, or "Beads," this hand-carved mask by Victor Yao Delanyo comes from the Krobo tribe of Ghana. They are worn by adolescent girls during puberty rites. |
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 Wood mask, 'Ape Warrior King'
$84.95
now
on sale! $76.46
Carved in the shape of an ape's face, this sese wood mask is steeped in tradition. The Bambara people of Mali believe that through masks, the animal's character is passed on to the wearer. Evans Doe Martey makes a magnificent replica of the mask that is reserved for kings and warriors because apes are viewed as strong in character and intelligence. |
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 Akan mask, 'Remember Someday'
$39.95
The Akan saying, kai de bi, encourages to take a pause and remember the good things in life. Literally meaning, "Remember someday," kai de bi also invites reflection on the coming future. Wilson Aboagye carves a magnificent sese wood mask to personify the traditional Akan saying. |
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 Nigerian mask, 'King Olu Badan'
$89.95
now
on sale! $80.96
Legendary tales of regal eccentricities inspire George Asante to carve this mask in honor of Olu Badan. The Nigerian king is said to have changed his physical appearance and character to be different from the rest. He even changed his way of life. Asante adorns the sese wood mask with ornate brass plates and hand-painted motifs. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Festival'
$82.95
now
on sale! $74.66
The proud, elegant visage of the Ibo people of Nigeria personifies this sese wood mask by Salihu Ibrahim. He carves it by hand with refined finesse, detailing the facial scarifications that distinguish the Ibo tribe. Decorated with clay and polish, this attractive mask is worn during important festivals. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Snake Fertility Mask'
$59.95
Abdul Karim Star carves this detailed replica of the Snake Mask worn by the Baribari people of Nigeria. According to custom, it is worn at dances to bring good luck and prosperity. It is also said to foster fertility, for it's believed that a woman will conceive on the night she wears and dances with the mask on. Star decorates the sese wood mask with white clay and embossed aluminum plates. |
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 Ashanti wood masks, 'Fighting Spirit' (pair)
$64.95
now
on sale! $58.46
Chief Carver Nana Frimpong depicts an Ashanti king and queen in two imposing masks. Carved by hand from sese wood, each one receives coats of black polish. The king has a diamond on his forehead and ritual scarification on his cheeks; the queen wears her hair like a tall helmet. "Masks like these were used by Ashanti royalty to fight spirits that attacked them," Frimpong says. |
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 Ceramic mask, 'Picasso'
$29.95
A magnificent dichromatic design in dramatic tones of daffodil and chocolate graces this fabulous mask by master potter Samuel Lovi. It features Lovi's "Picasso" mask design which carries distinct African tribal motifs. Clay abounds in the southern part of Ghana; it takes an expert, however, to get the sand in the clay thoroughly washed out. In fashioning this piece, the artisan first prepares and molds the clay. He then fires the molded piece in a kiln at high temperatures, ensuring that it is hardened to the required strength. After cooling, it is hand-painted, providing its distinctive appearance. Complement any decor with this handcrafted mask. |
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 Wood mask, 'Peace from Nigeria'
$59.95
Framed with colorful zigzags, an elongated oval forms a tranquil face. Golden hues define the features, embellished by richly embossed sheets of brass. Juliana Akandas creates a mask used by the Fulani people, nomadic cattle herders of northern Nigeria. Akandas uses sese wood to sculpt the hand-painted mask. |
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 Akan wood mask, 'Honorable Elder'
$62.95
A visage worthy of admiration, this mask is Eric Danquah's unique creation. He carves it by hand of sese wood and decorates it with aluminum plates. Mighty swords are embossed on the forehead as symbols of strength, power and authority. "I carved this mask to honor our elders, who we call Edwono in Akan, in reference to their gray hair," explains Ghana's Danquah. |
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 'Nkunim Anomaa,' mask
$49.95
"Nkunim anomaa" simply means a bird that brings success in one's life. A striking mask by Daniel Nyadedzor, it features a bird resting on the forehead as regional designs evolve around its face. Aluminum plates adorn the elegantly carved "sese" wood, its grain enhanced by a neutral polish. Sure to add a traditional African accent to any home decor. |
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 Akan mask, 'Spirituality'
$44.95
This mask by Wilson Aboagye captures the spiritual essence of the Akan people of Ghana. Known as Sunsum, it is traditionally worn during festivals for entertainment purposes. Aboagye expertly carves the sese mask by hand, procuring stylized details on the cheek and forehead. |
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 Wood mask, 'Storm God'
$54.95
Dark eyebrows knit thoughtfully and blazing eyes observe the earth. Juliana Akandas depicts the orisha (god) of thunder and lightning. Believed to have founded the Yoruba kingdom in Nigeria, he is portrayed in a sese wood mask. Human in his attributes, the god reveals his deity through hand-painted color. |
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 Akan wood mask, 'Royal Chief'
$87.95
A receding hairline denotes his age and accrued wisdom while his demeanor is aristocratic and commanding. Thoroughly a leader, this personage is a member of the Akan's royal lineage. Walter Kuma carves a handsome mask he names Odeshie (Royal). |
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 Akan wood mask, 'Great Knowledge'
$89.95
Beautiful in its symmetry, this mask reveals geometric motifs carved into its smooth surface. Named Nimdee (knowledge), it comes from Ghana's Akan tribe. Such masks e this one by Walter Kuma e are given to highly educated people. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'Karime Funeral'
$59.95
Abdul Karim Star hand-carves a detailed replica of the Karime ("Small") mask, worn by the Dagomba people of Nigeria. It is usually worn by the tribe's healers, when one of the healers dies. Star decorates the sese wood mask with embossed aluminum plates. |
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 Burkina Faso wood mask, 'Our Spirits'
$109.95
now
on sale! $98.96
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. They provide for fertility, health and prosperity as well as continuity of life. Superbly carved by Salihu Ibrahim, this mask is representative of the Gurunsi people from Burkina Faso. |
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 Senegalese wood mask, 'Determined Hunter'
$62.95
now
on sale! $56.66
Worn by the Fleke tribe of Senegal, this mask is given to the most determined and successful hunter in the community. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah carves it by hand, adding rich textures with embossed aluminum. Details in warm brown enhance an exceptional piece of West African art. |
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 Wood mask, 'Family Values'
$62.95
Admirer of history and traditions, Sefah Mohammed replicates the goro mask with loyal detail. Meaning "kola nut" in the Hausa language, it is reminiscent of the Songhai Empire and it symbolizes family unity and dedication to work. Mohammed carves the mask by hand from sese wood and decorates it with clay and painted motifs to achieve an antique illusion. |
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 Wood mask, 'Bomdwin'
$79.95
Featuring both male and female heads, this Festac mask by Eric Darko entrances with its polarized harmony. Bomdwin literally means, "to think together." Carved from sese wood, the piece features a striking crown of smaller heads, while a lustrous finish of dark tan and mansion polish enhances the smooth details. The result is a striking acquisition for the home interior. The name Festac is an abbreviation for the Festival of Art and Culture, which was first held in Nigeria in 1974. |
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 Cameroon wood mask, 'Vanquisher of Demons'
$117.95
Covered with embossed brass textures, this imposing mask is representative of the Punu people of Cameroon. It seems to speak with authority as narrowed eyes see beyond the obvious. Abubakari Alhassan carves sese wood to depict a mask used in driving out demonic forces and their spells. Such masks are also kept in the house or at its entrance to keep enemies away. |
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 Wood mask, 'Tears'
$59.95
This moving mask's expressive features tell of sadness and despair. Nana Adu Amankwapam I replicates the art and customs of the Chokwe people who live in Zaire and Angola as he carves this mask of sese wood, and adorns it with brass and copper. Known as Mwana Pwo ("young woman"), the mask is worn by dancers during initiation rites. It represents a female ancestor who died at a young age; her presence serves as a reminder of death, which is part of the initiation experience of death and rebirth. The mask features stylized tears delicately carved under the eyes to express the painful experience of loss through death. The power and elegance of the dancer's performance while wearing this mask is also believed to bring fertility to the women of the village. |
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 Guinean wood mask, 'Independent Woman'
$64.95
Radiating pride and beauty, this mask depicts a young woman of the Nzerekore tribe. A wide, intelligent forehead crowns large eyes and sensuous lips while the hair is gathered into an intricate coif. Peter Wolfgang Nkrumah carves an image from Guinea Forestiere, adding rich textures with repousse. "It inspires women not to be dependent on men," he explains. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'Fair Play'
$92.95
This long, slender face is crowned with a rounded hat; its expression is impassive and knowing. Intricate textures cover the features and adorn the neatly trimmed beard. By Walter Kuma, the mask comes from Ghana's Akwapim people from the area around Aburi. It is a symbol of justice and fairness. |
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 Nigerian wood mask, 'A Chief's Role'
$69.95
Looking downwards upon the chief's head, a sunsu ("bird," in Hausa) with an egg in its beak symbolizes looking after one's people. Sefah Mohammed carves an ornate sese wood replica of this Nigerian mask featuring clay and hand-painted details. |
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 Ghanaian wood mask, 'I Believe'
$59.95
"I offer this mask in honor of the Creator, to symbolize his omnipotence," says Eric Danquah as he adorns it with the legendary Gye Nyame Adinkra symbol. Danquah designs and carves the sese wood mask by hand, decorating it with embossed aluminum plates. He calls it Me gye di, which in Akan language means "I believe." |
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 Wood mask, 'Virtues'
$74.95
This multicolored mask by Evans Doe Martey symbolizes the virtues of beauty, peacefulnes and kindness. Carved by hand from sese wood, the mask is inspired by the customs and artistry of the Igbo people of Nigeria. |
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