Artisan Ghanaian Mask No.3

Intricate large Ghanaian Fang Mask, hand carved in the artists community north of Accra in Ghana. Fang masks are traditionally used in initiation ceremonies and are usually elongated with carved lines running from the forehead to the tip of the nose. These masks are made , more commonly known as African Cedar. The metal that has been used is all scrap or recycled and is embossed with two giraffes and traditional patterns. African masks have great cultural importance and typically depict animal and human characteristics. Traditionally they were worn during various ceremonies and in some instances represent spirits. During dances it is believed that they connect the living with the dead whereby the spirits of the ancestors pass to the wearer of the mask. Today they play an important role in telling the history of many African people.
Approx. 66cm × 20. 5cm.

Origin: Ghana