Hand-Carved Mossi Tribe Ceremonial Wood Mask on Elevated Sculptural Base

This beautifully made Mid-Century Carved Female Bust in Ebony Hardwood W/ Herringbone Pattern originates from Kenya, Circa 1960. This sculpture is carved from a single piece of ebony...

This captivating mid-century Toguna sculpture, crafted by the Dogon people of Mali, reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of West Africa. Carved from burnt oak,...

The sculpture rests on a natural stone base, which has been left with a raw finish that contrasts beautifully with the polished, intricate surfaces of the wood. This excellent contra...

Signed by Carol Setterlund, this sculpture reflects the artist's dedication to form and texture, embodying the essence of mid-century artistry. The natural curves and flowing lines o...

Bamana Mask on a custom ebony wood stand.

Early finely carved African Afikpo mask with stylized geometric abstract long face. From Nigeria close to the Cross River. From an old collection in the Southwest. Overall dimensi...

Bamana N'tomo mask, Mali, 20th century "Generally surmounted by three to eight horns forming a comb, the N'tomoface mask refers to a moment of compulsory education given to uncircumcised young boys in certain West African societies. The mask's discreet, even absent, mouth emphasizes the behavior expected of them in their future adult life after training: controlling and measuring their words, knowing how to keep quiet, preserving secrets and enduring pain in silence." Excerpt from Masques du N'tomo, Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière Collection, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, France. The Bambara, or Bamana, live in central and southern Mali. Their name means “unbeliever” and was given to them by the Muslims. Animists, they believe in the existence of a creator god called Ngala, who maintains the order of the universe and coexists with another androgynous god called Faro, master of the Word, who gave all qualities to mankind and makes the fruits of the earth grow. Traditional Bamana art objects are closely linked to agrarian rites. The Bamana dance these masks during initiation and circumcision ceremonies for young boys in the Ntomo society. The face, with its vertical outgrowths at the top, adopts geometric features beneath a rounded forehead, including an imposing busted nose, as the Bamana favor this organ in their statuary as it evokes sociability and clan cohesion. Indeed, during choreography, the dancer frequently touches the nose of the mask. As teaching aids for candidates, masks from societies accessible to young boys and adults, such as the N'tomo, Korè and Ci wara...

African mask handmade and carved from a single piece of exotic wood, in a manner specific to the traditional African art. Hand carved wall mask with decorative geometric ornaments, d...