Browse Items (16 total)

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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…