wood craft

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 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.

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.

His eyes are closed forever, yet they seem to gaze protectively from beyond the grave. Incised with concentric circles in warm earth colors, this mask is representative of the Lubo, a Bantu speaking people from southern Congo. These are used during periods of transition, marking the death of a chief or other eminent person. It is crafted by Salihu Ibrahim.

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.