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Why African Masks have horns?
New: the 2nd edition of Within Carved Lines: The Secret Meanings of African Masks is out now. Get the book → I have had to answer the question, why do African masks have horns? Is it a sign of evil or good. In this article, I will discuss the depths of African masks and what…
Kota Reliquary Guardians: Mbulu-Ngulu, Bwete, and the Emboli Mask
New: the 2nd edition of Within Carved Lines: The Secret Meanings of African Masks is out now. Get the book → Some of the most famous objects to come out of Central Africa are not, strictly speaking, masks at all. The Kota of Gabon are best known worldwide for a flat, shining, copper-covered guardian figure…
West African Mask Styles: A Visual Guide to Regional Differences
West Africa is home to hundreds of distinct mask traditions. This visual guide maps the key regional styles from Senegal to Nigeria and everything in between.
Why African Masks Feel Powerful to Some People
Many people encounter an African mask and immediately feel something—curiosity, awe, discomfort, attraction, or emotional intensity. Even without knowing the mask’s origin, people often describe it as “powerful.” This immediate reaction can be attributed to the intricate artistry and cultural significance embedded within each mask. These artifacts serve as vital expressions of African heritage, embodying…
Kingdom of Benin: Bronze Masks, Court Art, and a Civilisation Ahead of Its Time
The Benin Kingdom produced some of the world’s most technically advanced bronze art centuries before European contact. Discover their mask-making legacy.
Guro Masks: The Zamble, and a Style Forged Between the Baule and the Dan
New: the 2nd edition of Within Carved Lines: The Secret Meanings of African Masks is out now. Get the book → Some peoples name themselves. The Guro, roughly 200,000 strong on the Côte d’Ivoire, did not choose their own name at all. They originally called themselves Kweni, until French colonial forces, having violently subdued them…