Exhibits

Chamba

A figurine associated with ancestor worship, it also serves as a guardian figure for the home. The Chamba people live in eastern Nigeria, south of the Benue Riv

Gelede Body Mask

This mask belongs to the Gelede costume-mask type of the Yoruba people of western Nigeria and adjacent regions of present-day Benin. Unlike classic Gelede masks

Lefem

Lefem figures are crafted as important testaments to dynastic lines of power. During the ceremonies accompanying the chief's funeral and the enthronement of his

Lobala

A small male figure from the Lobala workshop — a small ethnic group of north-western Democratic Republic of the Congo (Sud-Ubangi region), inhabiting the basins

Lobala Face Mask

An oval face mask of the Lobala people of strongly expressive form. The dominant element is the great concentric circles framing the eye openings — a motif desc

Luba

A female statuette in the canon of Luba art from south-eastern Congo (Katanga region). The figure displays the characteristic high, elaborate "cascading crown"

Male Biteki/Buti Power Fetish

These fetishes were made in two types, and without local knowledge, it's impossible to determine which type a given figure is. The first are figurines used for

Mbele (Ceremonial Sword)

A short ceremonial sword with a slender, single-edged forged blade decorated with geometric surface engraving. A multi-part hilt: a cylindrical lower section wo

Mbele a Lulendo (Long Ceremonial Sword)

A second ceremonial sword of the same typological family — with a longer, uniform blade and similar hilt construction (fibre binding, square connector with meta

Mbulu Ngulu (Male Reliquary)

The Kota used reliquary guardian figurines (mbulu ngulu) to protect and preserve the remains and bones of family ancestors (sometimes these were personal belong

Nail Fetish (Nkisi Nkondi)

A male figure of the nkisi nkondi type — a power fetish known from the traditions of the peoples of the Lower Congo (Yombe, Vili, Woyo, Kongo) and also adopted

Nail Fetish with Mirror (Nkisi Nkondi)

The second nkisi figure in the collection — a "wrapped" variant in which the torso of the sculpture has been bound in fabric and cord, forming a ritual "skin" f

Ngil

This Fang mask was created for a secret society called ngil (gorilla). It is used during the induction ceremonies and the execution of criminals. These ceremoni

Nkishi nkondi

Mnikisi are always made by a fortune-teller, ngagnge (sorcerer, healer), or other figure who may have a connection to the afterlife. While crafting the figurine

Rooster - Okukur

Origin: Nigeria People/Ethnic Group: Kingdom of Benin Material: Bronze Technique: Casting Okukur depicts a rooster, a symbol of power, fertility, and wealth. Su

Slit Drum

This drum was designed and constructed by the Bakongo people of the Federal Republic of the Congo. Rhythmic refinement and acute musical sensitivity are highly

Sword Sheath

A ceremonial sheath for a sword or prestige short knife, executed in the technique of plant-fibre plaitwork with rich finishing of cowrie shells, glass beads, a

Takangle/deangle

The takangle mask evokes delicate female features. Narrow (squinted) eyes and a striking hairstyle have several meanings. First, it is a mask used for entertain

Takangle/deangle

Origin: Liberia People/Ethnic Group: Dan Material: Wood, natural patina Technique: Sculptural The Takangle mask evokes delicate female features. Narrow (squinte

Troh

The Bangwa people are divided into nine smaller, autonomous chiefdoms, which are governed by high-ranking members of the male Troh association, also known as th

Troh

The Bangwa people are divided into nine smaller, autonomous chiefdoms, which are governed by high-ranking members of the male Troh association, also known as th