Vibrant annual ngoun celebrations involve masks used in gatherings in the Bamun Kingdom, Camerooon Pageantry in the Palace—Bamum Kingdom, Cameroon by Fowler Museum at UCLA
This mask is used by dancers in performances during burial rites Punu-Lumbo mask, from Gabon by Minneapolis Institute of Art
These reliquary figures helped a nomadic society to honor their loved ones after death. Kota reliquary (mbulu ngulu) by Dr. Kathryn Wysocki Gunsch and Dr. Steven Zucker
European patrons encouraged artists to include human forms on objects that were previously nonfigurative. Figurative Harp (Domu) (Mangbetu peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
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 ... by Dr. Christa Clarke
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) by Dr. Christa Clarke
During its brief fling with Christianity, the Kongo kingdom merged western iconography with local aesthetics. Crucifix (Kongo peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
The Fang peoples commemorated their ancestors with carved reliquary figures that they honored with offerings. Female Figure from a Reliquary Ensemble (Fang ... by Dr. Christa Clarke
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) by Dr. Christa Clarke
This dynamic figure of a Bangwa Fon emphasizes the power, wealth, and privilege of his position. Figure of a Chief (Lefem) ... by Dr. Christa Clarke
Embodying responsible and wise leadership, the sculpture presents an ideal image of the deceased. Seated Figure (Tumba) (Kongo peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
Although the specific meaning of the imagery is unclear, Yaka masks generally illustrate ideas about gender differences Headdress (Yaka peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
This chair or throne was one of the principal symbols of the authority of a Chokwe chief. Chair or throne (Chokwe peoples) by Dr. Christa Clarke
Long before the advent of cell phones and social media, the Luba had invented their own handheld memory device. Lukasa (Memory Board) (Luba peoples) by Juliet Moss
The austere display of this powerful object masks the complexity of its original context. Elephant Mask (Bamileke Peoples) by Dr. Peri Klemm and Dr. Steven Zucker
This mask was made and worn by men, but its purpose is to honor women who have bravely survived childbirth. Female (pwo) Mask by Dr. Peri Klemm and Dr. Beth Harris
These figures look calm and contemplative, but also display real strength and vitality in their muscular forms. Male Reliquary Guardian Figure (Fang peoples)—video by Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Peri Klemm
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 ... by Roger D. Arnold
These fascinating spiritual figures became prime targets for the ire of Christian missionaries in the 19th century. Power Figure (Nkisi Nkondi), Kongo peoples by Dr. Shawnya L. Harris and Dr. Peri Klemm