In our culture, bird masks have spiritual significance and may be associated with deities, ancestral spirits, or mythical beings. The mask wearer, in such cases, becomes a conduit for communication with the divine or the supernatural realm.

The Baule were a tribe that originated in the present-day Ivory Coast area in Africa many years ago. The Baule assimilated a number of their neighbors’ masquerade forms: a naturalistic face mask, a horned helmet mask, and a flat circular mask called kple kple

They represent fish used as sacrificial offerings to the “gods of the Benin nation” at a palace shrine.

Sankofa means “Go back for it”. The symbol is represented by a forward-moving metaphorical bird with its head turned backward to retrieve an egg (representing the future) from its back. It is highly revered and permeates all aspects of Ghanaian culture and lifestyle.

Round masks are commonly used in dance performances, where skilled dancers wear the masks to enact stories, convey messages, or participate in ritual dances. The movements and gestures of the dancer, combined with the mask, create a captivating and culturally significant performance.