african masks
Archived Posts from this Category
Wood mask, ‘Fang Hunter’
Posted by Novica on 27 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, gabon, home decor, masks, novica
Long and narrow, this stylized visage gazes into the distance through narrowed eyes. Abstract motifs in blue and dark brown accentuate the features, carved and painted by hand. Working in sese wood, Salihu Ibrahim creates a mask from the Fang tribe of Gabon, where these images were consulted when the village was to change location and before going hunting.
Wood mask, ‘Bird God’s Promise’
Posted by Novica on 24 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
Deeply spiritual, this mask hails the Bird God, for when he arrives he brings the promise of a good harvest as well as an abundance of food. This belief is upheld by the Guro people of the Ivory coast, and is beautifully replicated by Salihu Ibrahim. Working with manual tools, he carves a sese wood mask of splendid and detailed artistry.
Wood mask, ‘Kind Love’
Posted by Novica on 15 Oct 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
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.
Beninese mask, ‘Warrior Dance’
Posted by Novica on 21 Aug 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, benin & burkina faso, home decor, masks, novica
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. The dance is preceded by a series of spiritual songs, and is now performed in Togo and Ghana. Nortey carves the mask from sese wood and adorns it with hand-painted motifs and embossed brass plates.
Ivorian mask, ‘Peacemaker’
Posted by Novica on 06 May 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
The detailed artistry of this mask reveals the wise and solemn face of a Guro woman. Featuring a bird looking downwards, the mask is worn during important ceremonies to resolve quarrels and to detect sorcerers. Ellen Akosua Amoako hand-carves a fascinating replica of the peacemaker mask of the Guro people from the Ivory Coast.
Congolese wood mask, ‘Pride of Womanhood’
Posted by Novica on 01 May 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, congo/zaire, home decor, masks, novica
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.
Akan mask, ‘Humbleness’
Posted by Novica on 01 May 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, masks, nigeria & other regions, novica
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.
Ivorian mask, ‘Honor to Ancestors’
Posted by Novica on 01 May 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
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.
Wood mask, ‘Spirit that Flies’
Posted by Novica on 30 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
A checkerboard pattern tops this intriguing carving by Salihu Ibrahim. Shaped like a chirping bird, it features a single horn. The design comes from the Bwa tribe of C???te d’Ivoire, and these “flying spirits” are portrayed with geometric shapes as they have no physical form. They bless the families that own the mask and dance with it in public.
Wood mask, ‘Protection and Blessings’
Posted by Novica on 28 Apr 2008 | Tagged as: african masks, home decor, ivory coast & mali, masks, novica
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.