Q:  A friend of mine gave me this mask, said it was given to him by a client from Guinea. I am curious where in Africa this may be from and any symbolism. Thanks, Yudith, 1020 A:  It looks like a mask from the Igbo people of Nigeria. You will see many that look similar. Igbo is one of the largest ethnic groups in Africa, but they are far away from Guinea. I like the way the tear marks are large and circular, and the narrow, double crown fits so well between the two. It appears to be old, but probably isn’t. Tourists and collectors like to think a…

I recently posted a Songye spirit figure (#1012, Aug 27) to remind our collectors that there are other types of African traditional art that would fit well in their collections. Now I’m posting a Kota reliquary figure. Collectors who like African masks often display these as well. The Kota people live in Gabon in west-central Africa. Along with several closely related groups, they are renowned for creating distinctive spirit figures that watch over reliquary baskets containing the bones of important ancestors. The face of this reliquary figure is dressed with sheet brass, a precious material that has the power to deflect malevolent forces. It is tacked down with flat, hand-wrought…

This is inspired by the Bundu mask which is used by Mende girls in their transition to womanhood. Sande Society helmet masks like this are usually black, never colorful. What we have here was done by a modern artist from Africa. It is part of a unique exhibit called “Disguise: Masks and Global African Arts” at the Brooklyn Museum until Sunday, Sep 18th. I know I have a few readers who live in the NYC area. I think you will enjoy the show. If not, the Museum also has a fine permanent collection of African tribal art. Here are two websites that will tell you more. http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1473187/datebook-brooklyn-museum-art-exhibit-on-masks-disguise-and http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/24/arts/design/disguise-masks-and-global-african-art-where-tradition-meets-avant-garde.html?_r=0

Q:  My father acquired this mask in the Philadelphia area over 20 years ago. We know that it is a Gelede mask. It is one of the favorites of the collection. We would love to get your opinion. Any info is appreciated.  Dan, 1016 A:  They’re made and still used by the large Yoruba culture of Western Nigeria and Benin. You never know what you will see on top of these entertaining helmet masks. The Gelede cult is concerned with the appeasement of witches. The masquerades are in honor of mother– whose power is especially manifested in elderly women, female ancestors, and the female god, Orisha. In this case, the…

  Q:  My father has an extensive collection of African masks and statues, some of which we have identified, and some that are still a mystery.  He acquired this mask, along with most of his collection, between 15 and 20 years ago in Philadelphia at stores and festivals.  This mask is wood with what appears to be old paint.  Any information is appreciated.  It is likely that he paid less than $100 for the mask.  Dan, 1014 A:  I would say it’s a Dogon leopard mask from Mali, but it could be some other critter. The Dogon people have created more than eighty mask types to represent characters in their…

Q:  This mask is 26cm high by 17cm wide and was bought in Bamako, Mali in 1986. Any info would be appreciated. Peter, 1013 A:  Here is a mask that doesn’t resemble the styles of the country where it was purchased. It looks a little more like something from 600 miles to the Southwest. I’m thinking of the masks of the Bete, Guerre, and Wobe people in the Ivory Coast and Liberia. I hope someone will make a comment. This is a neat looking African mask, but is has very little value if it can’t be identified accurately. Save Save Save

I’ve never pictured anything other than masks on this site. But August has been slow. So let’s show something else that is closely related. Wooden masks are used to depict deities or ancestors. Often they are believed to channel spirits when worn by ceremonial dancers. But statues and sculptures are used to represent, connect to, or communicate with spiritual forces in different ways. Here is a beautiful spirit figure. The Kunin Songye Power Statue we have here is by an important carver and is unusual in its design. There is also sacred materials added to the inside of the belly, plus various adornments. It doesn’t look like a Kifwebe mask…