protective facemasks

This long, narrow face could appear in the trunk of a tree, crowned by slender branches. Carved by hand from seasoned African African rubberwood, it is the expert handiwork of Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. "This mask is used by the Gonja people of Northern Ghana," he explains. "It is used to protect their forest, which they believe is the resting place of their ancestors." Named Koholo – a Gonja word that means "protect the jungle," it receives its white coloration from applications of clay.

Christopher Nyasafo is inspired by the legendary masks of the Kwele people in Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. The wall mask features two long horns that encircle the face with a heart-shaped aura. The masks are regarded as highly protective and are controlled by the Bwete Association, who maintains social order. They are used in ceremonies which promote well-being and community. Nyasafo carves the sese wood wall mask by hand and paints it brown, orange, green, and grey.

Christopher Nyasafo replicates the legendary Kwele mask with a feast of colors. This style of mask is from the Kwele people in Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo and features two long horns that encircle the face with a heart-shaped aura. The masks are regarded as highly protective and are controlled by the Bwete Association, who maintains social order. They are used in ceremonies which promote well-being and community. Nyasafo carves the sese wood wall mask by hand and paints it brown, yellow, green, red and grey.

Master carver Christopher Nyasafo faithfully replicates the legendary mask of the Kwele people in Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo. It features two long horns that encircle the face with a heart-shaped aura. The masks are regarded as highly protective and are controlled by the Bwete Association, who maintains social order. They are used in ceremonies which promote well-being and community. Nyasafo carves the sese wood wall mask by hand and paints it blue, white, brown, and light orange.

A graceful bird alights atop a bearded face with animal ears. Melding human and zoomorphic features, Salihu Ibrahim sculpts a mesmerizing image. The graceful sese wood mask comes from the Guro people of Cote d'Ivoire, where they represent the spirits of the underworld. This design symbolizes protection.