warrior sculptures

Artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association recreate a royal Maya mask adorned with an impressive headdress. The artisans craft the mask by hand from ceramic featuring a fearsome jaguar, or balam. A valiant Maya warrior and a feathered serpent complete the regal headdress.

Inspired by the rich tableau of pre-Hispanic cultures, artisans from the Angel Cerón Artisan Association create a beautiful mask to add to your home decor. Various figures, including Aztec and Mayan gods, pyramids, and animals are handcrafted of ceramic and detailed with intricate patterns. The bottom of the mask depicts the face of a warrior.

Tall and slender, this imposing mask is covered with ornate aluminum repoussé. Embossed brass adds contrast to the superbly sculpted work of art. Godfred France transforms seasoned sese wood into a cultural manifestation from Wa in Ghana's Upper Western Region. "These masks are worn in battle by warriors, who invoke the aid of the spirits. The god of iron then possesses them, giving them exceptional strength," the artisan explains. "They are able to fight to victory without losing their strength. But on occasions when they have gone into battle without this mask, they have lost completely." France names this piece Kerse, a Hausa word meaning "Iron."