Ashanti Baluba Moon Mask with coloured jigda beads and cowry shells

An 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 brass inlay cut out eyes and guppy shaped mouth. The mask is decorated with with yellow, black and orange jigda beads and cowries. 

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
• Material: Wood, Jigda beads, cowrie shell
• Height: 24 x29 cm

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