This celebratory mask is worn by the people of the Damba tribe, northern Ghana during the Tobankpele festival. The mask is used for jubilation and dancing to show appreciation for abundant rains and a good harvest. Abdul Karim Star carves a faithful replica of the mask from seasoned wood. The mask features an elongated head with a long nose and a cheetah's mouth. It is adorned with florid embossed brass plates.
Master carver Gordon Adu presents this original pair of sese wood masks as a personal tribute to the moon. "In the countryside, when night falls and people are away from home, they use the moon as a guide," explains Adu. "That is why they regard the moon as the God of Night."
Circles within circles define a handsome mask. Wide eyes center a heart-shaped face, and dappled color frames the features, named Akomapa or good heart in the Akan language, the mask comes from Asante's own imagination.
Shaped like an elongated almond, this African Rhinoceros Spirit Mask is elegant and beautiful. The artisan carves the piece from sese wood and paints it by hand. Parallel lines form a headdress, and a mighty African rhinoceros marches across the forehead. Embossed on aluminum sheets, rich textures cover the features.
A mask of ornate elegance, this work celebrates the traditions of northern Ghana. Abdul Karim Star hand-carves the mask from noble sese wood and applies embossed brass plates to resemble tribal markings. The mask is distinguished by its long hanch nose as well as by a bird on the forehead.
