Vibrant annual ngoun celebrations involve masks used in gatherings in the Bamun Kingdom, Camerooon
Central Africa
This mask is used by dancers in performances during burial rites
Punu-Lumbo mask, from Gabon
These reliquary figures helped a nomadic society to honor their loved ones after death.
Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu)
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About Central Africa
European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative.
Figurative Harp (Domu) (Mangbetu peoples)
This stool reminds the king to thank his mother for his power, and is so important that it has its own bodyguard.
Buli Master, possibly Ngongo ya Chintu, Prestige ...
Though many raffia textiles were made as garments for and by both men and women, this one was intended for display.
Double Prestige Panel (Kuba peoples)
During its brief fling with Christianity, the Kongo kingdom merged western iconography with local aesthetics.
Crucifix (Kongo peoples)
The Fang peoples commemorated their ancestors with carved reliquary figures that they honored with offerings.
Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang ...
Lavishly decorated with expensive materials for the chief’s exclusive use, this isn’t your average wine bottle.
Ceremonial Palm Wine Vessel (Cameroon Grasslands peoples)
This dynamic figure of a Bangwa Fon emphasizes the power, wealth, and privilege of his position.
Figure of a Chief (Lefem) ...
Embodying responsible and wise leadership, the sculpture presents an ideal image of the deceased.
Seated Figure (Tumba) (Kongo peoples)
Although the specific meaning of the imagery is unclear, Yaka masks generally illustrate ideas about gender differences
Headdress (Yaka peoples)
This chair or throne was one of the principal symbols of the authority of a Chokwe chief.
Chair or throne (Chokwe peoples)
Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device.
Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples)
The austere display of this powerful object masks the complexity of its original context.
Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples)
This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth.
Female (pwo) Mask
These figures look calm and contemplative, but also display real strength and vitality in their muscular forms.
Male Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video
The king did not sit for this portrait; in fact, the artist carved it without directly observing his subject.
Ndop Portrait of King Mishe miShyaang maMbul ...
These fascinating spiritual figures became prime targets for the ire of Christian missionaries in the 19th century.
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