great sculpture

Representing the Baule people of Côte d'Ivoire, this dramatic mask depicts a ram with powerful horns. Salihu Ibrahim carves the image from native sese wood and applies white clay for an aged effect. Among the Baule people, theram represents strength and is sometimes considered a spirit related with agriculture.

Legend tells how Quetzalcoatl, the Feathered Serpent, created the human race. However, in doing so, he had to confront Mictlantecuhtli, the god of death. Inspired by this story, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create an original mask that is faithful to Mexico's ancient books and archaeological record.

Ornately hand-carved from suar wood, this wall mask is designed by Wayan Nuliati of Bali. The mask depicts Narasinga, a half-human, half-lion Hindu god who is known as the great protector.

Seemingly surprised, this exquisite visage half closes his eyes and appears to yawn. Daniel Nyadedzor carves an appealing rotund design accentuated by elaborate West African motifs. Asepa ye means "my great in-law." Celebrants throughout Ghana use this traditional round mask widely. Nyadedzor expertly crafts it from native sese wood, carving it to shape and sanding it. The piece is then masterfully adorned with aluminum plates and finished with neutral polish. Infused with the wisdom of the ancestors, this mask adds cryptic beauty to any decor.

Imposing eyes stare out at the viewer, representing a character from Bali's richly cultural folklore. In the great Hindu Ramayana epic, Kumbakarna is the brother of Rahwana, the evil ogre king who abducts Sita, wife of the hero Rama. Eventually, Rama and his brother Laksmana defeat Kumbakarna, their divine arrows cutting him down mercilessly one body part at a time. To create this image, Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family patiently carves suar wood by hand, as symmetrical details reveal the artist's true magic.

Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family creates this suar wood mask of Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom, education, wealth, and remover of life's obstacles. Ganesha is easily recognized by his elephant head. The artisan intricately carves the mask with great detail, from the jewels in Ganesha's crown to the folds of skin on his trunk, and stains it to showcase the natural beauty of the wood grain.