Ashanti Baluba Moon Mask with Copper

A large impressive original Mid Century Ashanti Baluba Moon Mask in very good condition.

The mask, which is carved out of dark wood, is quite large and circular in shape, with cut out eyes and guppy shaped mouth. The mask is decorated with inlaid triangular pieces of copper and cowrie shells. 

The Ashanti people of Ghana, West Africa, wear this mask to worship the moon because of the control it has over the tides of the ocean and the tides of their lives.

Specs:

• Origin: Ashanti, Ghana
• Date: Mid 20th Century
• Material: Wood and Copper
• Height: 30 cm

Provenance:

Private collection of a French collector, purchased in Nigeria in the 1970's