Arthur B. Steinman Collection

Guro People Zamble Society Ceremonial Mask

This elephant mask has oval ears and small tusks. It is one of a kind, made of bronze with a rich varied brown patina. When a masker puts on an animal mask, he absorbs something of the animal's power.

Tikar People Male Medicine Totem Figure

This male figure is posed like a wrestler, with rings around his neck, wrist, waist and ankles. There is an opening at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades for inserting herbal medicines. This hand-made terra cotta has a dark brown…

Punu People Ceremonial Dance Mask

This human face, probably a female, has accents on the eyelid area, ears and lips using dark brown-black vegetable pigment. On top of the mask is an unusual pair of breast-like forms. The mask is made of carved wood with fine aged encrusted dark…

Lega People Bwami Society Rank Mask

This mask is used to denote the rank of the owner in Bwani society. The Lega (Warega) people live in a community that governs itself and has various levels of ranking. The mask is made of carved wood with a variegated brown patina and white kaolin.

Kulango People Royal Female Ancestral Figure

This royal woman wears a pointed cap and a serene expression. She stands on top of a carved throne stool. The figure shows signs of deterioration. The figure is made from carved wood with a dark rich brown patina with red and white earth pigments and…

Fante /Baule People Fertility Doll Figure

Fertility dolls are believed to induce pregnancy and ensure the safe delivery of a child. This doll with a simple, undefined body is made of carved wood with a rich light brown washed patina.

Fang People Reliquary Offering Box

A female reliquary figure sits on top of a box used for storing bones of ancestors, guarding it from undesirable visitors. The box and statue are made of carved wood with a dark red-brown patina. Carved on the outer sides of the box are Ngil society…

Baule People Royal Ceremonial Fly Whisk Handle

Fly whisk features two elephants with their trunks entwined around a tree. The center shaft is missing the blue indigenous fabric for shooing away flies. It is made of carved wood with brown patina and 24K red gold leaf.

Djimini-Senoufo People Hand-held Ceremonial Mask

This oval mask has simple features with brass tacks. A smaller head on a long neck comes out of the forehead. A handle at the chin is used to hold the mask. There is evidence of extensive use. The mask is carved wood with a dark brown patina and…

Senufo People Kepele Ceremonial Dance Mask

This mask of a human face has a bird sitting on his forehead, leaning down with wings outstretched. A pair of animal horns are on either side of the face, and long whiskers descend from the mouth. This is one-of-a-kind bronze created by lost wax…