Malian wood mask 'Young Bambara Boy' Item ID: 2677063825

Name: Malian wood mask 'Young Bambara Boy'
Brand: Victor Yao Delanyo
SKU: 2677063825
Price: 69.99 USD
Availability: InStock

$69.99

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About this item

"Burnished brass brings a feeling of opulence to an aristocratic personage from the Bambara people of Mali. Representing a young man, its proud features are sculpted from African sese wood. Such masks are worn by uncircumcised boys after the millet harvest in Mali where, during the time of threshing, dances are performed. Victor Yao Delanyo names his work Wara, meaning 'Messenger.'"

Item detail

1.72 lbs
13.3 inches H x 6.8 inches W x 3.5 inches D
Sese wood and brass
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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Victor Yao Delanyo

5.0 ★ (12)

"I was born in 1966 in the Volta Region of Ghana. I completed my elementary school education in 1982.

"Due to financial difficulties I could not further my education, so I joined my brother-in-law who was a master carver, specializing in traditional African objects. I have been working independently for the past ten years and I am proud to mention that my works have been exhibited in the United States, as well as in Germany, Belgium, France and Australia.

"I work with ten experienced carvers. We acquire a type of hardwood known as sese for carving masks. The image is first sketched on paper, and then given to the apprentices to carve. We chip at the wood to get the desired figure or shape, then use sandpaper and polish to achieve a smooth object of good quality. I use red and black emulsion paint for the finishing. Other materials used to decorate and preserve our works are metal plates and sometimes clay."

Malian Masks Brown Masks Wood Masks

12 Reviews for

Victor Yao Delanyo

July 22, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

C Cachet

So much detail on each ornament. Truly a unique ornament to be treasured forever.

Reviewed item

January 17, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

B Barbara

Great Christmas present. They are bigger tan I thought. Worth it!

Reviewed item

January 9, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

S Stephanie

Beautiful masks, great quality and a nice solid weight. Definitely worth the price!

Reviewed item

January 9, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

D Devora

Wow! Just what I was looking for, perfect addition to my collection

Reviewed item

January 3, 2020

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

J Judith

These masks are exquisite ! We purchased them for ourselves and our favorite young couple as special Christmas tree ornaments. They are a bit heavy for a tree but being hung has beautiful Art as a remembrance from our time in Africa.

Reviewed item

December 11, 2019

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

J Jeanne

These ornaments are beautifully made: heavier and more richly colored that the photo can show. They are unique and stunning.

Reviewed item

November 8, 2019

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

P Phoebe

I am very impressed and glad I ordered 2 sets! For me and as a gift.

Reviewed item

July 21, 2019

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

T Toni

This review is long overdue. We use these mask ornaments on our Christmas tree every year. Beautiful and well-made!

Reviewed item

December 28, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

H Heather

Reviewed item

July 16, 2021

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

D Dona

We have numerous home decorations we bought in several African countries while visiting them. The masks are just as authentic and go well beside other African objects. Terrific.

Reviewed item

July 3, 2021

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

M Merle

These will be my families heirloom to be admired though out future generations. You have shown your God giving gift from your skills, creativity, character, and integrity. Perfect without any flaws! Thank you for sharing your craftsmanship to me and the World. These are impressive, most impressive.

Reviewed item

April 12, 2021

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

N Norman

Very artistic designs and quality workmanship.Culturally significant for myself and my family.

Reviewed item

December 28, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

H Heather

I was given this set of mask for a Christmas gift from my sister Heather. I screamed with so much excitement. Although they arrived after Christmas, I look forward to decorating my tree next year with them. The unique craftsmanship is mind boggling. Impressively beautiful and colorful. The sizing of each mask is the perfect size, being about the size of a large Christmas ball. I have placed for more to be added to the wishlist, wanting to have last 5 more sets. When I informed my dear friend about the gift, Kathy immediately was also interested in wanting a set or two. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next from this magnificent craftsman.

Victor Yao Delanyo

Victor Yao Delanyo hand-carved wood masks

"I was born in 1966 in the Volta Region of Ghana. I completed my elementary school education in 1982.

"Due to financial difficulties I could not further my education, so I joined my brother-in-law who was a master carver, specializing in traditional African objects. I have been working independently for the past ten years and I am proud to mention that my works have been exhibited in the United States, as well as in Germany, Belgium, France and Australia.

"I work with ten experienced carvers. We acquire a type of hardwood known as sese for carving masks. The image is first sketched on paper, and then given to the apprentices to carve. We chip at the wood to get the desired figure or shape, then use sandpaper and polish to achieve a smooth object of good quality. I use red and black emulsion paint for the finishing. Other materials used to decorate and preserve our works are metal plates and sometimes clay."

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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 Badge Caring for Children

This artist supports children under the age of 18.

Maker Badge Job Creator

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

Maker Badge Moving On Up

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

Maker Badge Preserving Traditions

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

Maker Badge Profound Impact

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

Maker Badge Microcredit Financing

Victor Yao Delanyo has received 8 microcredit loans with 0% interest from Kiva and Novica, the first for $1100 and the most recent for $500. Proceeds were used to invest in the purchase of wood, metal plates, paints and polish for production.