Browse Items (43 total)

One of the stylish features of many of the Chokwe masks is an exaggerated bone structure and a broad mouth exemplified by this mask. The scarification in the center of the forehead is referred to as cingelyengelye. The Chokwe have had an artistic…

This tear drop-shaped face mask is made of carved wood with a varied dark brown patina. The hair is a wrapped fiber braid and the ears have twisted copper earrings. Attached to the chin are four brass bells and an animal tooth. The back of the mask…

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.…

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…

This sculpture is beleived to be from the Igbo people of Nigeria. The Igbo live in the Niger-Benue River Valley in eastern central Nigeria. This environment is rich in agriculture. They have absorbed the influence of surrounding neighbors, and today…

This carved wood figure features two pairs of male and female figures seated one above the other. The male figures are on the right and both have beards.

From the M’Bole People of Zaire. Carved wood with variegated brown patina with aged white kaolin of a male figure with human body arching forward with elongated torso. White kaolin, arms extended outward from body and hands resting on upper thighs,…

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.

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.

From the Guro People of Cote D’ Ivoire. Carved wood with polychrome paint of primarily purple female face with red lips, open mouth with white filed teeth, downcast open slit eyes rimmed with black, facial scarification, delicate ears with earring…