ornate ring

Theophilus Anum designs a mask of impressive beauty crowned with the Sankofa bird, from the Akan adinkra symbol. Shaped like a bird with its head turned towards its back, it symbolizes learning from the past. The sese wood wall mask is crafted by hand featuring ornate embossed aluminum details.

She is elegant with a halo of stars and ornate repoussé motifs. Her eyes are golden, her lips red. Godfred France creates this beautiful African mask in an original design he names Inbuku, "Caring" in the Hausa language. "I came up with this mask based on the love I have for my mother. She has been very supportive and caring," he says. "Mothers all over the world, you are wonderful and I appreciate you!"

A mask of ornate elegance, this work celebrates the traditions of northern Ghana. Abdul Karim Star hand-carves the mask from noble sese wood and applies embossed brass plates to resemble tribal markings. The mask is distinguished by its long hanch ("nose) as well as by a bird on the forehead.

Ornate repoussé covers the forehead and smooth cheeks of an adolescent girl, beautifully depicted in a sese wood mask. Perched on the head, a bird reaches a slender beak to caress the girl's nose. Designed by Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, it is named Onuma, Akan for "Bird." A gift presented to Akan women in eastern Ghana during a girl's puberty rites, it affirms the suitor's commitment during courtship. "Apart from its decorative purposes, this piece gives the possessor an assurance of a blissful courtship leading to marriage," the artisan affirms.

Sefah Mohammed finds inspiration in the art and customs of Ghana's Ada people. He crafts an ornate sese wood mask featuring painted details and embossed aluminum plates. Known as Fiami ("Call me"), the mask is worn by virgin girls when dancing at the Asafotufiame Festival in July. It is regarded as high honor for a family to have a daughter in the dance. Past Ada warriors and their feats are remembered during this festival, which also serves as preparation for the upcoming harvest season. The festival finishes with a colorful and energetic durbar organized by Ada chiefs.