beaded glass

Commemorating the birth and naming of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, the Damba festival is an event of much revelry and celebration in the northern part of Ghana. Winfred Korley pays homage to the Damba festival with an original mask that might be worn on such an auspicious day. Wearing a headdress with pointed horns, this African mask is hand carved from sese wood, given a rustic finish in hues of brown and red. Long strands of recycled glass beads dangle from the forehead, partially covering the face.

A time of much celebration, the Damba festival in north Ghana commemorates the birth and naming of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Winfred Korley pays homage to the Damba festival with an original mask that might be worn on such an auspicious day. Wearing a blue and green headdress with pointed horns, this African mask is hand-carved from sese wood, given a rustic finish in hues of black and beige. Long strands of red recycled glass beads dangle from the forehead, partially covering the face.

Inspired by the masks used by the Igbo people of Nigeria, Ghana's Christopher Nyasafo designs a striking African mask that depicts a traditional water spirit. This hand-carved sese wood mask, which features a brown, rustic face, has squinting eyes and black lips. The spirit's black horns are accented with four beads of recycled glass.

The colors of the beads can vary slightly.

Known as master boatwrights and merchants, the Duma people of Gabon live along the Ogooue River. They use masks such as this one for social events, initiation rituals and funerals. Ghana's Christopher Nyasafo designs this African mask, hand-carved from a single piece of sese wood. It has an oval face with squinting eyes, a pattern on the forehead, and a tiny smiling mouth with pointed teeth. Accents of recycled glass beads further enhance this stunning mask. beads and jute can vary slightly.

The colors of the beads and cord can vary slightly.