Handcrafted Congo Zaire Wood Mask 'Pride of Womanhood' Item ID: 2671806953

Name: Handcrafted Congo Zaire Wood Mask 'Pride of Womanhood'
Brand: Juliana Akandas
SKU: 2671806953
Price: 99.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$99

-1+

This is your own listing item.

About this item

"Juliana Akandas designs a mask depicting a girl with bead and red cotton earrings. Embossed brass adorns her face and she smiles with excitement. From the Lwalwa tribe of southeastern Congo, such masks are presented to girls during their puberty rites. They show that the teens have reached womanhood. Both boys and girls go through initiation to become responsible adult members of Lwalwa society, but masks are worn only during male Ngongo initiation."

Item detail

3.32 lb
12.5 inches H x 8.5 inches W x 3.5 inches D
1.43 lbs
12.5 inches H x 8.5 inches W x 3.5 inches D
Sese wood
brass
beads and cotton
CA Residents: <img src="/2015/assets/images/icon/bw6pt.png" width="18" height="14"> <a href="/2015/assets/images/icon/p65.jpg" target="_blank">Prop 65 Warning</a>

Made in Ghana

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Juliana Akandas

For example, my favorite piece is the Akuabaa doll because of its meaning and power. In the Akan tribe of Ghana, the doll represents fertility. It is believed that, when given this doll, any woman who cannot have babies is likely to get pregnant. You can imagine the joy a child brings to such a woman. The Akuabaa doll is also a symbol of twins in Ghana, and they each receive an Akuabaa doll so that in case one should die, during the twin festival the doll is brought out in remembrance of the dead twin.

I was so fascinated with all this that I decided to learn the trade, and did so through a carver in Aburi. My products are unique; they have a meaning and they are backed by history. Almost all my masks have a meaning and a history behind them.

I have attended several exhibitions in Ghana since 2001.

Congo Zaire Masks Wood Masks Multicolor Masks Masks

Juliana Akandas wood masks and carvings

I was born April 13, 1969; I am happily married, with three children. After secondary school, I became interested in Ghanaian carvings when I worked as a secretary. I got to know almost every carver in the country. Due to the nature of my job, I visited their various workshops and showrooms and had the opportunity to observe and study various pieces, the methods and finish, as well as their meanings.

For example, my favorite piece is the Akuabaa doll because of its meaning and power. In the Akan tribe of Ghana, the doll represents fertility. It is believed that, when given this doll, any woman who cannot have babies is likely to get pregnant. You can imagine the joy a child brings to such a woman. The Akuabaa doll is also a symbol of twins in Ghana, and they each receive an Akuabaa doll so that in case one should die, during the twin festival the doll is brought out in remembrance of the dead twin.

I was so fascinated with all this that I decided to learn the trade, and did so through a carver in Aburi. My products are unique; they have a meaning and they are backed by history. Almost all my masks have a meaning and a history behind them.

I have attended several exhibitions in Ghana since 2001.

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The traditional arts are a vibrant aspect of everyday life in West Africa. From richly intricate handwoven kente cloth fabrics, to intricately colorful beaded arts, ceremonial masks, and exquisite jewelry, to traditional throne-stools hand-carved for customers by the Ashanti king's actual chief carver, artisans proudly offer their region's finest handmade works of art.

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Maker BadgeEmpowering Women

The Women's Empowerment badge is awarded to female artisans or artisan groups that are led by women.

Maker BadgeJob Creator

This artist positively impacts their community through job creation and provides jobs for 2 or more people.

Maker BadgeMoving On Up

This artist has dramatically improved their livelihood by working with NOVICA.

Maker BadgePreserving Traditions

This artist uses traditional techniques handed down through the generations and/or creates culturally significant items, helping keep these traditions alive.

Maker BadgeProfound Impact

Every purchase from this artist has a profound impact on their livelihood and income.

Maker BadgeMicrocredit Financing

Juliana Akandas has received 2 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1500 and the most recent for $500. Proceeds were used to purchase wood and paint in bulk for her wood carvings.