The molo mask is a sacred performance mask made by the Bobo culture of Burkina Faso and Mali, in western Africa. With its long, rectangular face, helmet-shaped and crested top, tall horns, and chevron scarification patterns, this mask symbolizes but does not directly represent Dwo, the main son of Wuro, the creator god of the Bobo. The mask is also supplied with a rectangular … [Read more...] about Bobo Molo Mask: Researched and Conserved by Cory Powell
Bògòlan, also known as bokolanfini, is a type of decorated cloth made by the Bamana peoples of Mali, in Western Africa. Traditional bògòlan is made by women artisans who spin and weave locally grown cotton to make long strips of cloth that are about five inches wide, and then sew the strips together into large panels. These panels are then dyed with local iron-rich mud … [Read more...] about African Mud Cloth: Researched and Conserved by Wendi Pyle-Fields
This mask is a modest version of the Mukyeem Helmet mask that is made by the Kuba cultures of Central Africa. Most Mukyeem masks are large, elaborate structures that envelop the head, and they may be identified by the rich, symbolic materials used to make them. The masks typically incorporate leather and fur to represent powerful wild animals; elaborate and colorful beadwork … [Read more...] about Mukyeem Mask: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh
These two grass mats are made of raffia, a durable material derived from palm tree leaves, which is a traditionally used in making many woven goods in Central Africa. Among others, the Kongo and Kuba cultures are known for making elaborately woven cloths and mats from raffia fibers. As shown in these mats, the Kongo and the Kuba are also known for dyeing palm fibers with … [Read more...] about African Grass Mats: Researched and Conserved by Samantha Walsh
The Akua’ba (plural Akua’ma) is a famous type of sculpture made by the Asante cultures of the country of Ghana, in Western Coastal Africa. These figures are made in a very recognizable form, typically with a flattened round or oval head with a high forehead; heavy, curved eyebrows; almond-shaped, downcast eyes; a straight, pyramid-shaped nose; and a tiny mouth. They also have … [Read more...] about Akua’ba Figure: Researched, Conserved, and Restored by Leslie Dunaway