Sowei Mask

Traditional African Masks: Five Iconic Treasures Held in Captivity by European Collections

Traditional African masks are far more than mere objects of beauty—they are sacred vessels of culture, spirituality, and communal identity. Across West, Central, and Southern Africa, these masks have long been integral to ceremonies like harvest celebrations, funerals, and rites of passage, acting as conduits between the physical and spiritual realms. Crafted from materials like…