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About this item: Brilliant color conveys both joy and gratitude in this elegant mask by Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. Symmetrical features narrow from wide eyes to a narrow chin and voluptuous lips, while aluminum repoussé creates a triangle on the wide forehead. “This mask is used by the Goroshie tribe in Nigeria during their harvest festival called Motaka Rafi,” the artisan explains. He names this exquisite piece Bawule – a Hausa word meaning “God gives.”

About our Artist: ‘I always knew I wanted to paint, but wasn’t sure I could make a living out of it, so I looked into other fields too,’ recalls Abdul Aziz Mohamadu. ‘I observed master carver Musa at his workshop for a period of time, then I picked up a log of wood and started carving out a mask as I had observed him doing. This surprised Musa and he was willing to help me perfect the skill. I developed a love for this new art, and that’s how I eventually became a master carver too!’