The Ntomo (also called N’domo) Bamana mask originate from Mali. They were worn by boys as they passed through the early cycle of initiation into manhood. As part of the six initiation societies collectively known as Dyow, the main aim of the initial 5-year long N’tomo Dyo is to prepare uncircumcised boys for adulthood and to educate them about life including farming skills and discipline. The masqueraders wearing the masks, enter the village compound to announce the start of a ritual or a puppet masquerade. There are two main style groups of their masks. One is characterized by an oval face with four to ten horns in a row on top like a comb, often covered with cowries or dried red berries. The other type has a ridged nose, a protruding mouth, a superstructure of vertical horns, in the middle of which or in front of which is a standing figure or an animal. The ntomo masks with thin mouths underscore the virtue of silence and the importance of controlling one’s speech. During their time in ntomo the boys learn to accept discipline. They do not yet have access to the secret knowledge related to kore and other initiation societies. Members wore a wooden face mask during the initiation festival at harvest time and when begging for rice.

Made of 100% Wood, pigment, seeds, latex, metal.

Model is W 25 – H 61 and weight 2kg

This authentic, well preserved bronze plaque of the Benin Kingdom in what is now Nigeria exhibits a virtuosity and sophistication of style that has astonished the Western world. The figure and pose are classic from the high period of Benin art in the 15th century and honor the King or Oba.

Made of 100% Bronze

Model is W 36 – H 28 and weight 64 kg.

Miniature horseman bronze figure – the horse and rider motif is a strong symbolic signifying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the world, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants on necklaces or bracelets, which represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figures depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Bronze, copper alloy.

Model is W 6 – H 9 and weight 0.1 kg.

This Dogon figurative sculpture depicts a Kono, a bird that announce the rains — The singers praise the bird’s character and its importance in the lives of the people. The puppet is from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. They were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics.

Model is W 24 – H 74 and weight 1.4 kg.

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 18 - H 30 and weight 0.4 kg.

This authentic Marka Mask is made of dense wood seat on a raised base. It it originates from Mali. All along the Niger, this mask type is used for ceremonies associated with fishing and agriculture.A fine examples of Marka masks and a great addition to any serious collection for its artistic and intrinsic values. Made of 100% wood, metal. Model is W 22 - H 49 and weight 1.4 kg.

African bronze senufo statue from Mali. It has preserved its authenticity, surface and aged patina. Sculptural art are the epitome in the cultural and spiritual lives of the Senufo people.

Made of 100% Bronze, copper alloy.

Model is W 12 – H 34 and weight 0.8 kg

This antique iron necklace originates from the Senufo people of Mali. It was originally used as an amulet anklet or chevillière. Traditional chevillières are worn by women but men, may also wear them, especially the larger and heavier anklets. Created using the lost wax method that involves creating a model in beeswax. Once completed, wax rods are attached to it and the entire model is encased in layers of fine clay. The structure is heated and the melted wax runs out through the channels of wax rods; molten metal is poured into the mold - the mold is broken and the piece has been created, resulting in a unique and original piece.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 2 – H 16 and weight 0.3 kg.

Zoomorphic fish puppet figure from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, by Sogo ba masquerade. Masks such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. The sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community.

Made of 100% Wood, paint, fabrics.

Model is W 32 – H 112 and weight 1.4 kg.

The Bozo Sogobo Fish puppets come from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, and are crafted by the Bozo artisans for the Sogo ba masquerade. Sculptures such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. They sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community. The Bozo people are known as "masters of the river" and their culture and artwork centers around their interaction with the Niger River. The fish puppets come in different colors and shape and are uniquely handcrafted.

Made of 100% Soft wood, pigment, nails.

Model is W 9 – H 39 and weight 0.3 kg.

Miniature horseman bronze figure – the horse and rider motif is a strong symbolic signifying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the world, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants on necklaces or bracelets, which represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figures depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Bronze, copper alloy.

Model is W 8 – H 19 and weight 0.5 kg.

Miniature figurine of  a horse and rider made of bronze. A strong symbolic figurine implying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the neck and ankles by the Dogon, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants or bracelets, and represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figurines depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali.

Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze.

Model is W 3 - H 12 and weight 0.4 kg.

This rare bronze container originate from the Dogon people. Vessels such as these were used in secondary burial rituals by the Dogon.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 23 – H 40 and weight 0.6 kg.

This Dogon mask with a superstructure is carved from heavy, dense wood, and originates from the Dogon peoples of Mali. The mask depict an abstracted face, a classic from the Dogon. A traditional shape used by the Dogon in much of their carvings. It’s a ceremony mask used during the annual harvest festival (called Bulu), celebrated in all the villages before the rainy season.

Made of 100% wood, pigment.

Model is W 59 - H 22 and weight 1.1 kg.

The Bozo Sogobo Fish puppets come from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, and are crafted by the Bozo artisans for the Sogo ba masquerade. Sculptures such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. They sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community. The Bozo people are known as "masters of the river" and their culture and artwork centers around their interaction with the Niger River. The fish puppets come in different colors and shape and are uniquely handcrafted.

Made of 100% Soft wood, pigment, nails.

Model is W 9 – H 39 and weight 0.3 kg.

This authentic mask depicting an abstracted human face showing traces of exposure to the elem bird mask is made of wood, with a crusted old wooden patina. It originates from Mali, located in the administrative districts of Bandiagara and Douentza, Mopti region.

Made of 100% wood, fiber Patin.

Model is W 34 – H 15 and weight 1.2 kg.

This superb Marka Mask made with wood, covered with brass sheets, comes from Mali. This is one of the finest examples of Marka masks. This is a beautiful well-carved mask. The works on the brass sheet are final and superb. This mask would have a place in any good collection for its artistic and intrinsic values.

Made of 100% wood, dark brown patina, sheet metal and red dyed fiber.

Model is W 45 - H 16 and weight 2.1 kg.

The piece featured here is a deeply carved wood spear head in a bamboo shaft from the Dogon tribe in Mali. The spear head is carved of heavy dense wood and shows bars or barbs down one side. The head would remove from the shaft. The most notable weapons were made using a long wooden sheath and a metallic head as well as the bow and arrows and shields often made from animal hide. Spears were leaf shaped with along wooden shaft.The weapons consisted of spears and special javelins.Sometimes these were attached to a long string so that, after spearing an enemy, the spear could be pulled back again and used once more.

Made of 100% Iron, bamboo.

Model is W 4 – H 104 and weight 0.7 kg."

The Bozo Sogobo Fish puppets come from the region of the Bamana city of Segou or the Bozo area of Mopti, and are crafted by the Bozo artisans for the Sogo ba masquerade. Sculptures such as these were used during performance of Dance troops of young men, members of local youth groups. They sing, dance, drum, manipulate puppets or dance masks in creating performances called Sogo Ba. Through the movements of the puppets and the songs that accompany them, the youth association is able to comment on the social and political life of the community. The Bozo people are known as "masters of the river" and their culture and artwork centers around their interaction with the Niger River. The fish puppets come in different colors and shape and are uniquely handcrafted.

Made of 100% Soft wood, pigment, nails.

Model is W 9 – H 39 and weight 0.3 kg.

This rare small pot with figural lids originate from Dogon. Atop the lid is a seated figure that represent an (idealistic) portrait of the deceased or "nomo" ancestor, creators of the dogons. They look after their representatives in the world of the living. The base is shaped like a seat that symbolizes the image of the world The vessels were used in secondary burial rituals by the Dogon.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 6 – H 12 and weight 0.2 kg.

Beautifully carved Baule ancestral portrait originating from Ivory Coast. These refined human face masks are usually portraits of particular known individuals or dignitary celebrated during a ceremonial dance called Mbloâ. Masks such as this one were used in entertainment dances and are one of the oldest of Baule art forms. Baule art is sophisticated and stylistically diverse.

Made of 100% wood, pigment

Model is W 20 - H 50 and weight 0.6 kg.

This beautiful, rare, well-carved mask, made of wood, and covered with brass sheet,  originates from the Marka tribes in Mali. This is one of the finest examples of Marka masks. The works on the brass sheet are finial and superb. This mask would have a place in any good collection for its artistic and intrinsic values.

Made of 100% wood, dark brown patina, sheet metal and red dyed fiber

Model is W 34 - H 12 and weight 0.7 kg.

This rare small pot with figural lids originate from Dogon, and dates . Atop the lid is two seated figures that represents an (idealistic) portrait of the deceased. The vessels were used in secondary burial rituals by the Dogon.

Made of 100% Brass / Bronze

Model is W 6 – H 14 and weight 0.3 kg.

This Senufo Kpelie hand-carved wooden mask comes from the Ivory Coast/Mali. It has preserved its authenticity, surface and aged patina. The wood carving is exquisite and exaggerated features, have all of the hallmarks of the Ivory Coast/Mali Senufo people’s ‘Kpelie’ mask. Beautiful, mysterious and poetic, imbued with the cultural narrative of its people and its time.

Made of 100% wood

Model is W 16 – H 30 and weight 0.9 kg.

Miniature horseman bronze figure – the horse and rider motif is a strong symbolic signifying power and status among the Dogon people. Similar to amulets worn around the world, they believe to bring good luck or blessings of the gods. They were mostly worn as pendants on necklaces or bracelets, which represent a source of spiritual strength for their owners. The Dogon place these figures depicting men and women on many different kinds of altars, most of which are dedicated to ancestors, either real or mythical. Although rare, horsemen as icon have existed for 1000 years in Mali. Some depict a hogon, the supreme officeholder, a semi-divine leader of great wisdom, or even a mythological emissary from a distant land.

Made of 100% Bronze, copper alloy.

Model is W 6 – H 11 and weight 0.1 kg.

This door lock  (called Konbalabala) was generally used on the doors of dwellings. The design of the door lock represents among many things a person or myth or story. Door Locks were often given as as wedding gifts to young brides.