decorative masks

Ghanaian artisan Theophilus Anum designs this intricate, decorative wall mask. Carved from sese wood, the mask features unique designs and beautiful detailing on its headdress, face and collar. Named Festac after a Nigerian festival of the same name, this mask is sure to bring good cheer and enhance the decor of any room.

Wearing the colors of Africa, this mask symbolizes Maigaya or faithfulness, in the Hausa language. Abdul Aziz Mohamadu recreates the Nigerian mask with exceptional detail as he crafts the African rubberwood mask by hand. He decorates it with brass and painted details.

Inspired by his Hausa heritage, Awudu Saaed creates the original design of this mask featuring a stylized saniya (cow) on the forehead. Saaed carves this sese wood mask by hand and decorates it painted details and glistening glass beads.

The Anagoo Festival of the Yoruba people inspires Abdul Aziz Mohamadu to replicate the Raboo ("See my love") mask. The festival is a time to celebrate the love and appreciation that the Yoruba people feel for their ancestors. After carving the African rubberwood mask by hand, Mohamadu decorates it with painted details and aluminum accents.

By Abdul Aziz Mohamadu, this bold mask is decorated with colorful seed beads, while an elongated forehead lends it an air of authority. "This mask is used by the Kabogie people in Kontagora, Niger. When a dispute is being settled, the mask is hung at the entrance to the room. At the moment the aggrieved come out of that room, their agreement is sealed. No one can go against such an agreement," the artisan explains.