Ghana Mask

Akan

Ghana

The wood carving industry of the Akan of Ghana is an indigenous craft tradition that remains vital in a world of rapid change. Wood carving has retained its economic and cultural importance for hundreds of years. Many carvers recreate masks from around Africa to sell in the craft market in Accra. The form and shape is often inherited from tribe to tribe, with the difference that each tribe adds it's particular feature to the mask, thus making it it's own. This mask is carved upon the likeness of the Luba tribe mask. The Baluba mask was originally made by the Luba/Baluba people of Zaire who were related to the Songye tribe. Luba tribe carvings were used for ancestor and spirit cults, for initiation, medical and connecting to spirits. This mask was purchased on behalf of the dealer by the Chief of the Mo Tribe.

These masks are not used traditionally, but produced for tourists as decoration only. Still they are outstanding creations which reveal the art of the Ghanaian carver.

Sese wood , Brass inserts , Cowry shells , Beads

Height : 30″ (11cm)