This solemn mask features the grave visage of a worried medicine man. Victor Yao Delanyo hand-carves this piece according to the customs of the Basonge people from Congo. Named Fwebe (Chief), it is usually worn by a priest during rituals to cleanse the village from pestilence. Delanyo uses manual tools to carve the mask from sese wood; the face bears tribal markings, which are accented with wood polish.
About the Artist: Ghanaian artisan Victor Yao Delanyo was unable to study beyond elementary school due to financial difficulties. 'I joined my brother-in-law who was a master carver, specializing in traditional African objects. Since 1999, I've worked independently with ten experienced carvers. We use a hardwood known as sese for carving our masks. We use sandpaper and polish to achieve a smooth object of good quality. I use paint, metal plates and sometimes clay to decorate and preserve our works.'
The Victor Yao Delanyo Artisan Collection is brought to you by Novica in Association with National Geographic. This beautiful piece was handcrafted by Victor Yao Delanyo in Ghana. An artisan story card will be included with your purchase.
Sese wood
Hand crafted Artisan quality
This item may vary slightly in color, size and shape
The mission of NOVICA, in association
with National Geographic, is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents, to spur their creativity and to be paid a fair wage for their craft. A bio ...
The mission of NOVICA, in association
with National Geographic, is to give artists and artisans around the world a global platform to express their true artistic talents, to spur their creativity and to be paid a fair wage for their craft. A bio ...
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