African Arts & Crafts
Batik wall hanging, \'The King\'s Mask\'
West Africa has a rich tradition of masks, embodied in a wall hanging by K. Baka. Each has its meaning � protection, strength, peace, joy and love, for example. This beautiful batik depicts a horned mask, signifying bravery. It corresponds to a king.
\'Hand and Egg\'
Gently grasping a fragile egg, a large hand holds the oval figure aloft in a gesture of triumph. Bold silhouettes suggest strength and certainty, and this colorful work by Emmanuel Atiamo Yeboa is rich in symbolism.
Threadwork, \'Escape\'
Wrought in brilliant red, the Atiko Gyawu symbol swirls in exquisite symmetry. It is said to be inspired by the shaved head of Gyawu, a Bantama king of the Ashanti people who escaped imprisonment. Atiko refers to the back of the monarch\'s head.
Wood mini-djembe drum, \'Gallant Authority\'
Abstract motifs unfold on the base of a mini-djembe drum by Ernestina Oppong Asante. Hewn from a block of tweneboa wood, this traditional percussion instrument is finished with mansion polish.
Wood djembe drum, \'Infinite Love\'
The djembe awaits a willing musician. Electric currents of bold West African rhythms race around the smooth contours of tweneboa wood. Samuel Coleman crafts a handsome drum that he names Odo Ntoaso, \"infinite love\" in the Akan language.
Wood djembe drum, \'Tears of Joy\'
Tears course down twin faces that nonetheless smile. Exploring the range of human emotion, Nana Adu Amankwapam I sculpts this beautiful djembe from tweneboa wood.