healing sculpture

Carved from sese wood and treated with clay, this mask represents a female healer from the Dan tribe in Liberia. "It is actually worn by soldiers, but sometimes they need to act as native doctors," explains Salihu Ibrahim. "They believed they will be possessed by the masks' healing powers when they wear it." Ibrahim adorns the mask with jute, cotton threads and stone beads.

Salihu Ibrahim carves a faithful replica of the Tigari mask uncovered in 1890, in Ghana. Of Moshie origin, a Tigari was person especially endowed with psychic powers. This person could be a man or a woman and could heal, predict the future, indicate the best place for fishing and hunting and even influence the outcome of war. Ibrahim hand-carves this mask from noble sese wood, and once the piece has dried he treats it to a special procedure so it may acquire a distinct antique look.

Lovers meld their lips in a kiss as their bodies entwine. Gordon Adu depicts the rapt couple as an expression of passion and devotion. Ebony wood is his medium for this elegant contemporary sculpture.

Father joins hands with his child as they gaze at one another with total love. Their bodies form a single fluid motion in this elegant abstract by Gordon Adu. He sculpts the family in precious ebony wood, polished to a sheen.

Subtle color distinguishes these beautiful fertility dolls. Nana Frimpong depicts a pair of twins. In Ghana, such figures are believed to assist a woman who wants to conceive a baby. Frimpong names the pair Panin (elder twin) and Kakra (younger twin) in the Akan language.

With open arms, a mother cradles her twin children in this elegant sculpture. Samuel and Francis Agbetey create smooth, clean lines that spiral into a multiple embrace. In Africa, twins are believed to have special gifts, and they are sought for such healing procedures as bandaging wounds and massaging painful injuries.

Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo designs a beautiful sculpture filled with traditional meaning. Finely carved from sese wood, the graceful image depicts a mother and child. The woman wears a skirt with the textures of embossed aluminum. "It is believed that these dolls inspire hope in the beauty and good health of both mother and baby," the Ghanaian designer explains. "Such images are given to pregnant women of the Anlo people by a tribal midwife. She names the sculpture Evidada, which means "joy of motherhood" in the Anlo-Ewe language.