Ornate repoussé covers the forehead and smooth cheeks of an adolescent girl, beautifully depicted in a sese wood mask. Perched on the head, a bird reaches a slender beak to caress the girl's nose. Designed by Evelyn Kafui Ahianyo, it is named Onuma, Akan for "Bird." A gift presented to Akan women in eastern Ghana during a girl's puberty rites, it affirms the suitor's commitment during courtship. "Apart from its decorative purposes, this piece gives the possessor an assurance of a blissful courtship leading to marriage," the artisan affirms.
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Verified Reviewer
My daughter bought this for me for my birthday. It looks just like the picture.
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I bought this together with another African mask. They hang on either side of the fireplace in our house. They are both very distinctive and make excellent decorative pieces and also have that feel of handmade items. A lot of guests to our house comment on them.
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Verified Reviewer
This gorgeous hand-carved piece is a real showstopper in my guest room! The colors are so tastefully chosen and really bring to mind some amazing nature experiences.
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