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West African Masks

Wood mask, ‘Secret Initiation’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.

Wood mask, ‘The Hunter’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.

Wood mask, ‘Lega Sorcerer’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.

Wood mask, ‘Ghost Face’Victor Yao Delano carves a fascinating mask intended to depict the face of a ghost. The mask is called Balumba (Ghost Face) and the people of Gabon wear it, along with stilts, during funeral ceremonies in honor of the women who drowned in the Ogowe River. Once the sese wood mask has dried, Delano applies paints and polish to embellish it with an ancestral appearance.

Wood mask, ‘Great Monkey Spirit’Salihu Ibrahim carves the vivid visage of a monkey, influenced by the artistic stylizations of the Nuna tribe. Hailing from Burkina Faso, the Nuna families and clans honor the animal spirits living around them; they believe these spirits are powerful so they seek their protection and blessings. Ibrahim uses polish and kola nut to embellish this sese wood mask.

Wood mask, ‘Brave and Strong’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.

Wood mask, ‘Kind Love’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.

Wood mask, ‘Protection and Blessings’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.

Wood mask, ‘King Who Loves Peace’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.

Wood mask, ‘Underworld Spirit’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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