Description

This piece presents a circular face with characteristic round eyes, rectangular slits and gaping mouth. Broken shells and small beads are adhered to the surface of the mask. Though this mask was probably made for the tourist market, it has a connection to the ceremonial practices of the Akan people in Ghana. The Ashanti mask is used in events such as initiation ceremonies and masquerade performances. It is believed to bridge the gap between the spiritual realm and the physical realm, bringing the spirits of the ancestors and other entities to life through their usage.