Antiqued African Wood Mask of Queen Idia Nigeria Festac, "Festac Queen Idia"

A mask to honor ancestors, this one is largely known as "Festac." It commemorates the Festival of Arts and Crafts. This yearly event that began in Nigeria is represented by a mask personifying Queen Idia, and it symbolizes the spiritual bond that unites all peoples of African descent in the world today. Frank Odei Amoani creates a stunning version as he carves this mask of sese wood and applies clay to achieve an ancient, weathered look.

Queen Idia extended the frontier of what is known as the Ancient Benin Empire to unbelievable heights and wide geographical reach. She was a devout patron of the arts who encouraged the creative impulses of her people as much as their valiant pursuit of conquest.