the protector

Sefah Mohammed finds protection in the Coclotsu ("rooster") mask of the Vume people from Ghana's Volta Region. "They believe that as the rooster wouldn't sit back and watch the hawk catch the chicks, so will the mask protect them. The mask is worn or displayed throughout the year for protection," explains Mohammed. He carves the sese wood mask by hand and adorns it with glittering recycled glass beads and embossed aluminum.

Salihu Ibrahim celebrates the art of Zaire with this ornate mask. It is a replica of Pande and Kasai tribal origin, which he carves of sese wood featuring a bird over the forehead and nose. The mask is believed to protect from all flying evils. Recycled glass beads shape intricate patterns on the face and it is trimmed with cotton pompoms.

Artisan Ivania Ruiz of Guatemala invites you to surround your spaces with dreamy and protective energy by crafting this suncatcher composed of Nazar beads—believed to protect from the evil eye. A palette of blue hues bathes the piece, complementing the crystals and pewter accents with a oneiric essence. As the final touch, a beveled glass prism captures the sun's light.

Artisan Ivania Ruiz of Guatemala invites you to surround your spaces with romantic and protective energy by crafting this suncatcher composed of Nazar beads—believed to protect from the evil eye. A palette of red hues bathes the piece, complementing the crystals and pewter accents with a lovely essence. As the final touch, a beveled glass prism captures the sun's light.

Bright beadwork adorns the serene features of a river goddess. Salihu Ibrahim creates an image from the Pende people of Zaire. Tassels of red thread complement the trade seed beads, and the piece receives an antique finish. Invoked during purification ceremonies of lakes, rivers and streams, the goddess protects her people from drowning.

A solemn mask with a powerful visage, this work work by Salihu Ibrahim represents the Kasai River God, of the Pende people. The sese wood mask is carved by hand and embellished with colorful trade beads.

The Pende people live on the banks of the Kasai River in Zaire. Every time a river, stream or lake is purified, appreciation is shown to the god that inhabits the waters for its protection. Yearly and periodic rituals are therefore done to appease and thank the gods for their protection and longevity.

Please note this mask is crafted by hand without a previous sketch or mold. The beaded work may vary slightly in pattern and color in subsequent masks therefore rendering each one unique and exclusive.

Peeking down over the forehead and nose, a bird confers mystical powers to this ornate mask. Sefah Mohammed carves it from sese wood, masterfully replicating the artistic stylizations of the Maradi people of northern Nigeria. This Kiyaahe ("protection") mask is believed to guard the crops from those who would steal them, especially when they are due for harvesting.

Kobina Asmah handcrafts this spectacular mask, a loyal replica of the Landa mask. The mask is named after the celebrated chief of the Toma people, who live in southeastern Guinea bordering Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Landa mask is believed to bring forth a better harvest and protect the land. Asmah carves the sese wood mask and adorns it with glistening beads and embossed aluminum.