Browse Items (42 total)

Three examples of Tajere - a form of rod currency made from basic forms of ingot in which metal was stored, exchanged and transported prior to being worked by metalsmiths. The iron bars come in varous sizes and shapes and remained an important…

This an example of a Mbuya mask, a type of mask created in multiple styles in the western and central Pende regions. The mask is worn by a dancer wearing a costume made of raffia or imported fabric. The dancer carries objects such as palm fronds or…

This mask is used by the Bwami Society and would be stored in a basket with turtle and snail shells, animal hides, parrot feathers, wild mushrooms, seeds and leaves to represent the natural world. The elders use these items to teach the young about…

T-shaped iron rods terminating at one end in lateral pointed appendages symbolic of wings or ears were widely used by Kissi people. Kissi pennies were often exchanged in bundles playing an important role as symbols of wealth and prestige, and when…

Copper ingots cast in the shape of an X were a form of currency. These originated in the copper-rich region of the Congo as well as in Northern and Southern Rhodesia. Molten copper obtained by smelling malachite ore was cast to create this X shape.

The Fang people are known to attach objects to their figures such as presented in this example of a fetish figure with a long coiffure at its back. Attached to a calabash and having additional amulets, there is compactness in the form which is a…

This is an example of a male head mask having a headdress made of feathers and fibers. The common features are distinct curving lines surrounding the brow and cheekbone. On the forehead is a carved scarification mark referred to as cingelyengelye.…

Wooden bowl and pestle originating from Cameroon.

In the Grasslands region of Cameroon, the Chief or his dignitaries will wear this type of feather hat. When folded, the hat takes a cylindrical form which is a foot in diameter as opposed to its much greater width when completely open.

A primary characteristic of Grebo masks are portruding eyes. The elongated nose is also a stylistic feature. It is not uncommon for a Grebo mask to possess multiple sets of tubular eyes.