artistic facemasks

This face of solemn expression bears on its head the image of an elephant. For the Guro people of Cote d'Ivoire, this mask signifies strength and bravery. Guro masks are emblems of the spirits living in the underworld, which they worship and celebrate during special rituals and festivities. Salihu Ibrahim uses manual tools to carve this sese wood mask with the detailed care that characterizes Guro artistry.

Decorated with black spots and a rustic beige finish, the face of a dog makes a striking addition to any home. Ghanaian artist Winfred Korley creates this African mask, which he hand-carves from sese wood.

Smiling a shy smile, the face of a woman appears within a leafy vine. The natural grain of hibiscus wood adds to her mystery. This mask of exquisite artistry comes from Eka, in Bali.

Please note: Natural hibiscus wood can vary widely in color and grain; please expect unique variations which make each mask one of a kind.

Sefah Annwhar replicates the unique artistry of Ivory Coast's Guro people with this impressive wall mask. Featuring two faces, fertility masks were given to Guro women to help them conceive. The talented Ghanaian artisan hand-carves the sese wood mask and adorns it with painted details over clay textures.

Guro people are regarded as the most prolific of African artists. Guro people were originally safe from French colonization, as they lived among the dense forests of Ivory Coast; however, this only lasted until 1912. Under French rule they had to change their nomadic ways to settlements, and rather than having a village leader, a distinguished elder would be designated to mediate disputes and serve as a liaison to neighboring tribes.

Sticking its tongue out while smiling, this mask captures the daring, mischievous nature of spider monkeys. Jose Canil carves the mask of pinewood inspired by the Maya legend that tells of the second destruction of humanity. Accordingly, the so-called wood men and tzité women who survived were transformed into spider monkeys. To the ancient Maya, these monkeys are the patrons of dancers, musicians and artists. The mask's face preserves the wood's natural grain and is designed to hang by an agave rope.

Ghana's Otchere Raymond designs an original mask in the name of tradition. "We must protect our traditions," encourages the Ghanaian artist. He carves the sese wood by hand and finishes the face with clay in a cream hue. Decorated with brass insets and painted accents, the regal mask is called "Oheneba Baa," meaning "king's daughter" in the Twi dialect of the Akan people.