Q: Please, can you appraise this mask for me. Sold to me as Ekoi, which it is not. Possibly Suku? It has a leather covering of the facial and neck areas. Bought in South Africa. No provenance. I collect masks from Western and Central African– genuine, tribally-used items only. David, 1736 A: You are correct. It is a Hemba mask from the Suku people in the South-western part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unfortunately, I must remind you that reproductions of Hemba helmet masks are numerous, and they are always made to look old and used. Yours may be an exceptionally well-made repro. I advise you to keep…

Q: This is an Ogoni tribal helmet mask from Nigeria, West Africa. Got it at a really great price. Carved out of wood, with glass eyes, it is more unique for any other mask we have come across before. It measures almost 16″ from top to bottom x 8″ wide x 8″ deep. It has shells across the top of the eyes, with one is missing. It appears to be quite old, but not sure of age. My guess is mid century or earlier. Shaun, 1734 A: Unusual design, very well made and a lovely patina that suggests usage and care, but you bought it cheap and have no provenance.…

The Bwa and Nuna live in the dry savannah land of central Burkina Faso. Like other peoples in this area, the Bwa and Nuna seek the help of powerful spirits who live in the wild forests, bush country, and rivers surrounding their villages. The older Bwa masks were made with leaves, feathers and vegetable fibers. They were used in the rituals of the Do initiation society. Later, the Bwa began to carve wooden masks for their rituals, being based on the masks of their neighbors the Gurunsi/Nunuma and their cousins the Bobo. All Bwa masks represent the spirits of the nature who have some influence on the human being. Wishing…

My first Chewa post was in Jan, 2019: https://dev.masksoftheworld.com/one-of-my-favorite-masks-chewa/ Recently I saw this one and really liked it. If you have an interest in authentic ethnographic masks, especially African, please explore the Nyau society masks of the Chewa in Malawi, East Africa. Masquerade there is still going strong. Bob, 1730