Mary Sue and Paul Peter Rosen Collection

Yorùbá Wood Mask (gelede)

A "Gelede" mask honors the power of the female forces in the cosmos, especially elderly women. The mask is worn during dancing, singing and drumming. The festival atmosphere encourages women to use their power to promote the well-being of their…

Baule People Mouse Divination Pot

Diviners (highly respected fortune tellers) use a mouse and a divination pot called a "gbekre" to predict future events.

Baule Monkey

This monkey figure is referred to as a gbekre, a brother of the buffalo spirit known as Guli. It is carved out of natural unstained wood. This figure fulfils a deity role by receiving offerings in agricultural rituals and protects the living. A…

Attye Seated Figure

In the Lagoon region of the Ivory Coast, the Attye and Ebrie people have statuses of full-frontal female figures which possess the distinct feature of raised coiffure and a rich patina.

Fang Wood Standing Figure

The social organization of the Fang people is structured around the family and individulas having common ancestry. Each family possessed a reliquary box referred to as a Byen, and this box was kept by the eldest man in the family known as Esa.…

Baule Wood Seated Male Figure

Baule people are prolific carvers. A statue is usually on a base with legs bent slightly, and hands at rest on the abdomen to communicate a feeling of peacefulness. The coiffure is generally detailed. The statue represents the spirit of the bush and…

Baule Wood Face Mask (Goli)

Goli masquerades are rich with social commentary pertaining to knowledge, gender, aesthetics, and the hierarchies surrounding village life. Communication comes forth through the medium of entertainment with elaborate costuming. Performance takes…

Janus Mask

The origin of this wooden piece is not certain. It is still under investigation, but it is believed to have originated from either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Nigeria.

Ekoi Wood Janiform Helmet Mask

This mask was created with both inlaid white teeth and eyes, coiffure knops and a skin covered surface. The Boki people who are neighbors carve in a similar style but do not apply a skin covering.

Yoruba Beaded Head Covering

Yoruba beaded head coverings such as crowns and hats are recognized for both design and vibrant colors. Worn by chiefs and kings these beaded head coverings were often given as gifts to important visitors. Included among royal beaded items are gowns,…