Carving is an artform found throughout the world. With hundreds of years of experience, Africans have become excellent carvers passing their knowledge down through the generations. Most carvings have traditional or practical importance and serve a purpose in the culture of the sculptor. Although beautiful objects, they are first and foremost utilitarian objects. They can serve to remind us of an important lesson, give us the tool we were lacking, or can serve in rites and rituals. One can find carvings as diverse as plates and eating utensils to stools and statues. Of course there are carvings which serve in traditional rites: masks are one such type of carving.

Masks have always been an important part of African culture. They are used in rituals and festivals which vary from fertility rituals to initiations into adulthood; from healing rituals to agricultural festivals. Masks often serve as the place in which a spirit or soul can be temporarily housed. Masks serve not only as a place to abode spirits but also in various ways such as protective amulets, in funeral rites and as an instrument of power which allows an elder to assert his authority.

Mama hopes that the information the carvers give about each piece will help you choose the carving that suits you best. After all, the artists who make them take great care to create excellent pieces not only so that you will find a good looking art piece; but to maintain the traditional value of the art they make.

** Masks listed with an asterisk next to them are reproductions of masks from other regions or are inspired by masks used outside of the Akan region of Africa. All of the masks listed here are made by Ashanti craftsman in Ghana. The carvers are masters who were trained by their elders and they do also carve traditional pieces for their own Akan ceremonies. They are inspired by the original masks used in countries throughout Africa. They ARE of the highest quality craftsmanship! They are not the poorly carved pieces you would find in an open market. These masks are a wonderful way to incorporate beautiful masks into your decor without spending thousands of dollars for a delicate piece of art that you are too afraid to display. And, you'll never find carving of this high quality at such reasonable prices! We've seen MUCH lesser quality pieces in galleries for 3-5 times the price. But, our goal is to feed African families; not overcharge our customers.

Ibo Mask *

This mask is traditionally used by the Ibo people of Nigeria to house the spirit of the ancestors.

Baga Fertility Mask *

Used in fertility rites, this mask would make a great gift for that friend who is looking forward to having children.

Zamle Mask *

This mask is traditionally used in funeral ceremonies. Carried at night, it serves to hunt sorcerers. It is inspired from a mask worn in the Ivory Coast, but carved by craftsman in Ghana. It stands on its own base, making display simple.

15 inches tall

Senufo mask *

This mask is worn to repeat deeds of the hero founder, Yirigne.

It is used by the Senufo people of the Ivory Coast in West Africa.

Helmet mask *

This mask finds its origins with the N'Tomo of Mali. It is worn during agricultural festivals and communal work.

Hand carved in Ghana by master craftsmen.

Bambara helmet mask *

Brought to us by the Bambara peoples of Mali, this mask is traditionally worn by the elders when teaching boys during initiation ceremonies.

Guro Healing Masks *

Two different interpretations of the same mask. As you know by now if you are a regular visitor to Mama Afrika's carving stand, masks vary in design depending on the individual carvers interpretation, the wearer he is carving for and even the exact time and place of the festival or ritual the mask is intended for.

Here are two masks traditionally used by the Guro people of the Ivory Coast. It is used in casting spells and consulted in cases of sickness.

Please keep in mind that each piece is an original. Therefore there may be differences in color, and slight variation in size. The artists which share their works with Mama do not make identical copies of one mask, statue, etc; each is a unique piece of art which has the same inspiration at its root. The photos above are though, fair representations of what you can expect your piece to look like.

Finally, please try not to have them placed in direct sunlight, and care for them simply by dusting them with a plain soft cloth. No cleaning or polishing products are needed.