Baule Ndoma small mask

This sophisticated face mask has sophisticated features that capture the beauty and pride of the women of Mamprusi in northern Ghana. Daniel Quarcoo adorns the Sese Holz mask with painted details, including her high braided hairstyle. Her forehead is decorated with hand-embossed triangular brass plates.

This captivating African mask by Abdul Aziz Mohamadu shows a no-nonsense personality and long, narrow face. Ritual scratches adorn his cheeks, and an elephant parades across his forehead. The mask is carved from sesame wood, hand painted and is an original design by talented Ghanaian artisans.

The Danes are an agricultural people living in western Côte d'Ivoire and the hinterland of Liberia. They have a large number of masked figures representing the spirit of the jungle who serve various social, political and religious functions. Although 11 separate mask types can be distinguished according to formal criteria, these types cannot be assigned to specific functions because the meaning of masks has changed over time. The Danes have gained notoriety in the region for their entertainment festivals, which were originally village ceremonies but are now mostly performed for tourists. During these performances, masked performers dance on stilts. Created by the Kran group, the Kaogle mask is distinguished by its arched cheekbones, triangular nose, and broad, prominent forehead and mouth. This mask in particular is different in that its rectangular eyes protrude from the lower layer of the mask. Such eyes are often characteristic of Dan's neighbors, the Kiel tribe. Other features, such as the interplay of emptiness and mass and the sharp forehead stump, are reminiscent of the work of the nearby Bete tribe. Of course, this mask reveals the artistic influence of each tribe on the other. Khao Lak masks are traditionally used to create a festive atmosphere among the audience before the main festival begins. While this mask once attracted many concerned villagers, today it amazes us with its extraordinary beauty.