PORTFOLIO - Masks | Other Carvings | Drums

Unless otherwise noted, the majority of Nii’s work is carved from Acacia wood, a wood indigenous to Africa, and features antique brass inlay as well as colour made from natural plant and clay dyes. For more information on Nii’s process in carving click here. Nii Addico is available for commission work. Nii is happy to carve personalized variations on any of the work shown here or to design a custom made piece with a client, including furniture.

PLEASE NOTE: All pieces (or similar works) are available for purchase. For more information please contact Creation Africa.

Agoro Mask (ah-gore-oh)
The Agoro mask is from the Dagara tribe located in the Northern regions of Ghana, West Africa. This particular interpretation represents a great queen from the tribe. The shape of her face and her full lips represent joy and happiness. The mask would traditionally be worn during dances to bring playfulness to the village.

Approx 17” in height. Prices start at $500.00

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Akwaba Mask (ah-kwah-baa)

This large round mask is called Akwaba or welcome. This is a wonderful mask to place in the entrance to one’s home. The face is based on the traditional Ghanaian fertility dolls, versions of which can be found in many different tribes both within Ghana as well as West Africa. This mask makes an ideal housewarming gift. The smaller versions also make an ideal gift for a new baby. A larger mask is shown.

Large Akwaba Masks (11”) prices start at $300.00.

Small Akwaba Masks (6”) prices start at $150.00

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Bawale Mask (baa-wall-ee)

This oval mask comes from the Nanumba and Komba tribes of Northern Ghana. Peace and joy are invoked by wearing this mask. It would be worn during ceremonies and dances of celebration in the village. Only one of the two styles of of Bawale masks is shown here.

Approx 13” in height. Prices start at $100.00

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Dagara Mask (daa - gar- ah)

This mask is from the Dagara tribe, in the north of Ghana. Traditionally the mask would be worn to bring power and courage to the wearer. This is a mask that would be reserved for great chiefs and leaders to wear. Only one of the two styles of Dagara is shown, the other style features iron rings in the ears and nose of the mask.

Approx 18” in height. Masks without rings start at $300.00.

Masks with rings start at $350.00

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Dakorta-Terakota - (dah - cort - ah ter - ah - ko - tah)

This Dakota-Terakota mask is from the Terakota tribe in Northern Ivory Coast. It is a very special design of beads and antique brass. The colours of the beads symbolize unity between Africans and living respectfully upon the earth.

Approx 28” in height. Prices start at $700.00

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Flat Mask -

The Flat mask is from the Akan tribe in the Central region of Ghana. It used to celebrate the tribes great brave leaders in special ceremonies and dances. The yellow border around the head represents the Chief’s crown.

Approx 13” in height. Prices start at $150.00

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Goro - (gore - oh)

From the banks of the river Volta, in Ghana, the Goro were great warriors who were never defeated by their enemies. Their power united two warring tribes: the Nanumba and Konba. This mask represents their strength and courage. Note the river bird resting on the forehead to bring the spirit of the Volta to the mask. The mask is made from old wood and special ceremonial clay and potassium was used to create an antique look. This mask took two months to create.

Large Goro Masks (30”) prices start at $800.00.

Small Goro Masks (25”) prices start at $700.00.

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Traditional Mask -

Historically two masks of this style would be carved and blessed by the village fetish priest (or medicine man) and shared by long distance friends or relatives. Whenever you needed to communicate with your faraway friend, you would put the mask on. They in turn would feel a calling to wear their mask, and once they did you would have the power to converse telepathically. Almost every tribe in Africa has some version of this mask in their own style.

The sword in the forehead represents bravery and courage. The horns in the cheeks represent communication. The two masks together make an ideal wedding gift.

Approx 23” in height. Prices start at $600.00 for each mask.

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Nmalatschey Oblafo - (n - mal - at -chee oo-blah-fo)

Traditionally the Ashanti tribe in Ghana was one of the strongest and bravest tribes in West Africa. Their army resisted the colonists for many decades. This masks represents their resistance and their courage. It also represents a relative of the artist who assisted the Ashanti’s in their endeavors.

Approx 23” in height. Prices start at $100.00

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