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Mask :: A - D
Ba Kongo Ritual Mask
The Kongo empire was one of the most dominate and renowned powers throughout precolonial Africa. By the end of the 16th century the empire was fragmented and weakened by internal struggles, external invasions and by the constant assualt of slave dealers and traders. Today the Kongo are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Congo Republic, Angola and Gabon.
 The Kongo decendants are divided into a great many subgroups notably the Woyo, Msundi, Yombe, Villi, Lemfu, Mpangu and Bwende. Every Kongo group has many cults and socities that revolve around their strong beliefs in supernatural forces and spirits of the dead. Their diverse ritual pieces are some of the most magically powerful and important art produced on the continent. The relations between the living and which lies beyond are harmonized by ancestral spirits, natural spirts (bakinda), local spirits (bisimbi) and ambivalent forces (minkisi). These supernatural entities are evoked by the village Nganga and elders.
They are often asked to heal, to empower, to ensure success to bless and to protect individuals or the entire tribe. Magical substances or medicines called "bilongo": blood, hair, bones, feathers, earth, shells, fiber twine, clay, nails, seeds are used singularily or in combinations to empower ritual objects. The use of nails and blades usually denote a blood "promise" made to the tribe, king or ancestor by an individual or individuals. A promise that if broken results in death. Such magical-religious paraphernalia are normally found on statues, "fetishes" called Nkisi and Nkonde. Kongo masks are rare.
They are only displayed during very important funerals, special initiation ceremonies and when judgement court is held. The exceedingly well crafted facial cover offered here has been well empowered with bird feathers, an earthen mixture, metal studding, worn kaolin, wood ash, bent nail work and blades. The mask is spiritually powerful and fully capable of judging. The facial features are natural and pronounce.
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Baluba Kifwebe Mask
 The Luba empire founded in 1585, was the result of the unification of a large number of smaller chiefdoms. At its' peak about 1 million people were paying tribute to the Luba king. At the end of the 19th century the empire collapsed at the hands of the Belgian colonials. A secret society “Bambudye,” kept the memory of the once great and powerful Luba empire alive. Kifwebe masks, also attributed to the BaSongye people, were used in a Luba dance called “Makaye a Kifwebe” which means “dance of the mask.”
The kifwebe was used when the chief of a village either died or was newly appointed or when an important dignitary arrived at the village. Kifwebe masks vary greatly but in general are characterized by concise linear patterns. The facial components include a wide and pronounce nose, oversized eyes with enlarged eyelids and a protruding box-like mouth detailed with an “X” marking at the end. Pigmentation is often found, as in this case, where an attractive dark brown and tan combination was chosen. The mask is female as evidenced by the round shape and the lack of a frontal head crest. Crafted from a single piece of hollowed out hard wood this kifwebe is in good condition.
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Bambara Helmet Mask Pair
 From the country of Mali, created by the Bambara tribe this helmet style mask is usually found alone and not with a female mate. The female dancer will use the mask on the right that has a natural wood finish and hundreds of small circular etchings with cotton tuffs in the ears and along the top crest.
The wider male mask on the left has the same excellent tedious detailing with added cowry shells serving as highlights. The price is for the pair.
These masks are used during tribal initiation celebrations.
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Bamoun Prosperity Elephant
 The New York Mets baseball team have been nicknamed by the media as the "Amazin' Mets." When it comes to African art, in a visual sense, the Bamoun tribe artisans are the "Amazin' Bamoun." Their grand embellishments, elaborate stylizing and expert craftsmanship have created feasts for the eyes time and time again. Here is yet another example for us to enjoy. If ever there was an animal that deserved to be portrayed in such a flattering manner, it is the African elephant.
The embodiment of African wildlife, strength and great fortune, the pachyderm is a much beloved symbol of Africa. The Amazin's never short on creativity constructed this selection from sturdy ironwood. Utilizing symbols of wealth, to denote great fortune, the Bamoun embedded the ancient cowry shell and French coins. The blackened glossy finish that surrounds the shells and coins is a mixture of wood dust powder. To further exalt masterful piece, they add two solid brass eyes; two solid brass tusks and a solid brass lower trunk section.
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Baule Butterfly Mask
 The Baule, pronounced (Bah-oo-lay), represent one of the largest ethnic groups of the Ivory Coast. According to myth after a succession dispute in the mid 18th century, Queen Abla Poku led her followers west to the land of the Senufo and Guro where they came upon the river Comoe. In order to cross she had to sacrifice her own son. Legend has it this sacrifice is the origin of the name Baule which translates to “the child has died.
The Baule Butterfly mask like that of the Bwa people but lessor known is also worn during agricultural festivals where the dancers would mimic the motion of a butterfly. The smaller masks are worn by children and women in the audience during such festivals. Just before a rainfall, it is said that swarms of butterflies appear.
This dance is made in hope the gods will cause rain to fall on the newly planted field. Our selection has been beautifully adorned with kaolin highlights and two gecko lizards that symbolize fertility.
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Baule Mask
 The Baule resisted the invasion of French colonials longer than any other West African people. They managed to uphold their practices, traditions and beliefs during this dark period. The Baule, unlike most tribes have an aversion for strict political systems. They do not engage in initiations, age class systems, secret societies, circumcisions or any other functions that are dictated by hierarchical control. Each village is self governing by elders and everybody participated in discussions, including slaves if there were any.
Artistically speaking, the Baule of the Ivory Coast, do not recognize a category of items that are labeled “art”. They do not identify to the “art experience”. The Baule do not hold objects in high esteem for aesthetic reasons rather they focus on the spiritual presence that is related to the object. Despite this fact their craftsmanship in mask and statuary making, is old and legendary. The mask on display is a stylish portrait mask. This mask was selected not so much for it’s traditional features but for the excellent wood grain, finish, underside patina and quality of carving workmanship.
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Bete War Mask
 The Bete reside in the southwestern part of the Ivory Coast. Religion, present in every facet of daily Bete life aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between nature and the ancestors who are responsible for the welfare of the tribe. Today the vast majority still follow their traditional African religion, believing in a creator God Lago, but do not pray to or worship him. Instead they seek help from many lesser spirits that have supernatural power to help or give protection. They observe many customs and taboos and make sacrifices.
This type of mask is known as a Nyabwa, same as the tribe from which it originated. The Nyabwa passed it down to the We who are composed of the Ngere and Wobe and then subsequently to the Bete. This mask was used by traditionally by the Bete as a war mask. One that would incite fear in the enemy and one that would command awe and instill respect into Bete warriors preparing for battle. They also accompanied warriors into battle to counteract destructive forces.
The nyabwa has exaggerated, distorted features – a large protruding mouth, front mounted horns, bulging forehead, elongated nose and protruding slit eyes set beneath a high-domed forehead. Metal studding further enhances its power and also reflects the richness of the tribe.
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Butterfly Mask
 The Bwa of Mali and Burkina Faso are surrounded by the Bamana in north, the Bobo in the west, the Marka in the east and the Gurunsi and Lobi in the south. Each Bwa village is directed by a council of elders where the ‘labie’, the eldest member of the ruling clan is the master of the soil. Socially the Bwa are divided into three endogamous professional classes or castes: farmers, blacksmiths and griots (musicians who recount historical information through song.)
The spiritual life of the Bwa is based on worship devoted to Do, the son of God and the founding ancestors. Do intervenes at the time of agrarian rituals and funerals. Do also represents the life force of the forest, plant life and the fields. During rituals the villagers make masks of leaves incarnating Do; wooden masks are created only by the Bwa in the south called the ‘nieguegue’ (“the scarified ones.) Their masks represent animals: antelopes, insects, monkeys, fish, birds and bush spirits that would take on supernatural forms. They are worn in front of the face, attached with a thick rope which the dancer holds in his mouth.
The famous huge Butterfly mask is polychromed, can be decorated with concentric circles and or blackened geometrical markings and regularly feature a checkerboard backing. Red, white and black are the only colors allowed to adorn these masks. This mask would be worn during agricultural festivals where the dancers would mimic the motion of a butterfly. Just before a rainfall, it is said that swarms of butterflies appear. This dance is made in hope the gods will cause rain to fall on the newly planted field. This unique Bwa tribe mask is full size and in excellent condition. The Bwa Butterfly mask makes a bold African art decorative statement!
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Dan Mask
 Dan masks are thought to be the realized spirit not just a vessel to temporarily house the entity but the actual supernatural force albeit ancestor or forest. In Liberia, there are a wide variety of Dan face masks each of which has a different function. They are used, as example, to name a few, during dance and ritualistic ceremonies to spread tribal news, glorify ancestors, revive ancient tales, to ridicule and or penalize village wrongdoers, to reinforce fire prevention awareness and to guide young initiates through rites of passage. The participants in the affair have their roles dictated by the mask that they are allowed to wear.
Today many of the masks have lost their specific function and are used for entertainment purpose in conjunction with elaborate costuming and appropriate singing and dancing. The classic wooden Dan mask that appears here features styling that has brought the Dan people worldwide notoriety. The basic elements are a smooth, concave facial structure that features a high forehead, arched brows, large wide hollow eyes, well drawn tapering nose and a pronounce full mouth. The mask is surmounted by a cowry shell, raffia topping and further enhanced by an attractive raffia lower fringe.
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Dan Tankagle Mask
 Dan masks have either human or animal features or a combination of both. Their forms may be rendered in a realistic fashion or supernaturally stylized. Face masks are distinguished on the basis of their assigned sex. "Gentle" masks, without a beard, with narrow eyes realistic nose, mouth and an oval face are described as "gle mu", feminine masks.
Tankagle means something close to "dancing, miming masquerade." This mask is worn during friendly, entertainment masquerades and is meant to portray an attractive feminine face. During the ceremony the dancer wearing this mask may appear with a band and singers or with a single attendant, "gekie." The wearer of this mask will provide feel good entertainment for the spectators. He will engage in song, perform beautiful dances and act out short comical skits. The beautiful hard wood Tankagle on display features carefully outlined eyes and brows, adding to the femininity, a full mouth with real teeth, which adds power and a complete raffia headdress. The head cap is intricate, tightly woven and has a loose flowing trail.
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