At once beautiful, protective, seductive, and dangerous, the water spirit Mami Wata (Mother Water) is celebrated throughout much of Africa and the African Atlantic. A rich array of arts surrounds her, as well as a host of other aquatic spirits–all honoring the essential, sacred nature of water.

The Bundu mask is deeply symbolic within the context of the Sande society. It represents ideals of beauty, maturity, and wisdom. The mask is worn by senior members of the society during initiation ceremonies and other important rituals.

The Sankofa mask is a geometric pattern, ancestral symbol, or representation of cultural elements that reinforce the idea of learning from the past.

The Sankofa mask is a traditional African mask from the Akan people of Ghana and Ivory Coast. It features a stylized bird with its head turned backward and often carrying an egg on its back. This imagery symbolizes the concept of “Sankofa,” which means “go back and get it” in the Akan language, signifying the importance of learning from the past to shape the present and future.

Lovers Masks are often used in dance performances and rituals. Lovers masks, if they exist in a particular cultural context, may be worn by performers to enact stories or portray symbolic representations of love.