Colorful Ashanti African Mask, "Ashanti Linking Bird"

Paul Ntim celebrates family ties, taking his inspiration from the Ashanti people of Akan origin. Working in sese wood, he carves a multicolor African mask, applying textures with aluminum repoussé. A bird crowns the mask, reaching down to caress its forehead. The artisan names this design Nkonsonkonson Anoma, which means "linking bird" in the Akan language. Nkonsonkonson is the adinkra symbol of unity and human relations. It literally means "a chain" and signifies the importance of strong bonds among friends and family.