Browse Items (91 total)

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…

This kneeling woman is wearing a necklace with a pendant, has coffee bean eyes and beautifully carved and elaborate hair, colored with bluing. There is a baby on her back. The figure is made of carved wood with a dark brown patina with blue pigment.…

Carved wood with dark brown black patina with white kaolin and green vegetable pigment in the form of a male face with strong face, accented raised eyebrows, coffee bead eyes with holes pieced in center for dancer’s viewing, fine nose and mouth, 3…

These sculptures are carved upon the death of twins as memorial figures. The Yoruba have one of the world’s highest rates of twin births. The mother will care for these figures during her lifetime – wash, oil, dress, and feed them.

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,…

A cylindrical figure, like this example, has an upturned nose—one of its distinctive features. Objects of this type are thought to be used by the diviner in ceremonies of protection and fertility. Such a figure can be multifunctional in its capacity…

The Ivory Coast is recognized for its prolific carvers. This mask with tapering heads has finely engraved coiffure lines on a darkened surface with a rich patina. This mask features two birds (Kono). In the Kono society masks were part of the ritual…

This small shoulder mask has a simple, small-featured face with elephant-like ears. The long straight neck is wrapped with indigenous rope. There are pierced holes around the outer edges of the base for attaching raffia. The mask is made of carved…

There are various groups of people living in the Burkina Faso region reflected by a wide range in forms and types of masks. This example has a hand grip, beard, small mouth and four eyes and a crest. Masks are worn in ceremonies relating to farming,…