centerpiece mask

Hand-carved of locally-acquired sese wood, this African mask from Ghana features an oblong shape with a patterned design. Theophilus Sackey diligently decorates the mask's forehead with the image of a rhino. The proud creature is realized against a beige field and given a finish that accentuates the natural colors of the wood. To complete it, the mask is decorated with etched designs at the cheeks.

Quiet features exude tranquility and good will in this elegant African mask. Adorned with richly embossed brass, the design arises from artisan Rita Addo Zakour's own imagination. She names the exquisite piece Nutifafa, which means "peace be unto you" in the Ewe language.

"Among the Hausa people of Nigeria," says artist Abdul Aziz Mohamadu, "masks such as these are given to a woman by a man as a wedding proposal. If she does not return the mask, the proposal has been accepted." Named Shawa – Hausa for "Lover's Beauty". This contemporary example is hand-carved of native rubberwood and adorned with intricate aluminum nailhead patterns before being rubbed with a white clay finish for an aged effect. Comes ready to hang.

Using traditional tools and methods, Awudu Saaed of Ghana crafts this set of 3 small masks. The masks are carved by hand from rubberwood and then adorned with recycled glass beads in various patterns. Local clay is also applied to achieve an "aged" look. The artisan names the set Tikro nko gyinaa, an Akan expression meaning "One head doesn't constitute a council".

Please note: Sizes are approximate. Colors and motifs may vary, but the theme will be similar.

Sese wood, metal accents, and a beaded adinkra symbol are expertly combined by Ghanian artisan Awudu Saaed to create this vibrant warrior mask. The double diamond design is called epa and represents handcuffs, a symbol of slavery that West African chiefs have reclaimed as a symbol of law and justice. Working to support his mother and siblings, Awudu learned his craft at an early age and continues the tradition, now training apprentices of his own.

Francis Agbete hand-carves this African mask of sese wood, giving it a finish with black and distressed beige colors. Hanging neatly on any wall, this elegant design from Ghana features triangular motifs across the forehead, like the ears of a bat.

Featuring tusk-like horns and depicting an elephant on the forehead, this mask exudes boldness and strength. Saeed Musah of Ghana presents this animal-inspired mask intricately carved from sese wood and featuring a rustic finish over textured brass. The name Azubuike means "the past is your strength" in a West African language.

By Saeed Musah, this handsome African mask takes the shape of a seed. Even textures cover the forehead and cheeks as he embellishes the face with applications of hand-embossed aluminum. A design of the artisan's own imagination, it depicts his concept of a personage from the Zulu people of South Africa.

This stylized mask by Saeed Musah of Ghana is a stunning and awe-inspiring addition to your home decor. The mask is hand carved from sese wood and features an intricate design created using recycled glass beads and aluminum plates. This mask, titled "Zulu", is named after the largest ethnic group in South Africa.

This African mask is representative of one worn during the Ngondo water festival of Cameroon. Ghana's Emmanuel Opoku Asante hand-carves the mask of sese wood, adding hair of jute fiber. He gives the mask a painted, distressed finish that adds an antiqued aesthetic. Perfect for hanging on your wall, this mask brings a lively spirit to your home.

With the privilege of experience, Ghanaian artisan Awudu Saaed creates the original design of this spectacular mask. He incorporates the artistic style of the Akan people as he carves the sese wood mask by hand with an anoma (bird) on the forehead. Saaed uses colorful glass beads to decorate the mask's face as well as embossed brass on the eyelids and around the face.

Saaed works with available brass plates to make a one of a kind version of his original design.

Mysterious and serene, the features of this extraordinary Huichol mask are adorned with an array of ceremonial images. The personage wears a headdress with a glowing green peyote blossom, or jicuri. His blue hair is the color of kawuyomaire, the sacred deer, which also appears in white on his cheeks. Jicuri is the centerpiece of Huichol ritualism, revered for its curative properties and its ability to enlighten those who partake of it. Higinio Hernandez creates this beautiful mask of papier-mache and tiny chaquira beads. "This mask has a kind of crown. This signifies that it is used by men; women use masks without a crown," Hernandez explains.

Aided by his wife and guided by their imagination and feelings, Hernandez creates these vivid images with brilliant chaquira beads patiently placed one at a time. Beeswax is used instead of glue. His masks reveal the rich cosmology of the Huichol people and add color and life to any setting.

Care instructions: Since this exquisite mask is made with the traditional process of attaching the beads with campeche wax, do not expose this piece to direct heat or light, which may cause the wax to dry or soften and thus loosen the beads.