african art

This replica mask of powerful beauty is known as kwifibe by the Songye people of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Distinguished by its black and white stripes, the mask is believed to embody supernatural forces that will ward off evil. To the Songye, the use of white on the mask symbolizes positive concepts such as purity and peace, the moon and light. Ghana's Christopher Nyasafo carves the wall mask by hand featuring a bird looking downward.

Christopher Nyasafo crafts a beautiful African mask from the Teke-Tsaye people of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its circular face and characteristic triangular nose, it represents masks used in rituals by the Kidumu men's society. The Ghanaian artisan carves the piece by hand and paints it in beautiful colors.

Christopher Nyasafo crafts a beautiful African mask from the Teke-Tsaye people of Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With its circular face and characteristic triangular nose, it represents masks used in rituals by the Kidumu men's society. The Ghanaian artisan carves the piece by hand and paints it in beautiful colors.

This highly stylized mask represents a personage who wears a turban. Richly adorned with aluminum repoussé, its colors are red and black. "This mask is worn by the selected few in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Its purpose is for maintaining order in the community," artisan Robert Nortey explains. "These masks are meant for use on ritual or political occasions to arbitrate conflicts and punish wrongdoers."

The Songye people of Congo honor the kindest person in their community with this stunning mask. Salihu Ibrahim replicates the art of this admirable tribe, which is governed by a chief who depends on the support of the tribe's several secret societies.