Traditional African Masks

 

20% off masks, statues, and artifacts this October. Excludes items already reduced.

African masks from West and Central Africa, sourced directly from their region of origin.

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Showing 25–36 of 161 resultsSorted by popularity

  • Sale! Hand-carved butterfly mask from Burkina FasoBwa mask inspired by renewal and growth

    Bwa Butterfly Mask – Cider

    $88 $70.40

    Handcrafted to celebrate renewal and transformation.

    Decorative butterfly mask from south-eastern Burkina Faso.
    Handcrafted to embody Do, the spirit of renewal, it celebrates the first butterflies that herald the arrival of the rainy season..

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Prosperity and growth
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  40cm x 10cm x 8cm

  • Sale! Hand-carved chameleon mask from Burkina Faso.African wooden mask symbolising adaptability and power

    Bwa Chameleon Mask – Earl

    $95 $76

    A tribute to one of nature’s original beings.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask captures the mystical power and transformative nature of the chameleon, a creature revered in local mythology.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection, Transformation
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  39cm x 10cm x 7cm

  • Sale! Clean geometric layout suggesting celestial symbolismRefined sun motif carved in contemporary style

    Bwa Sun Mask (XL) – Sing

    $360 $288

    Minimalist geometry elevates its celestial presence.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  60cm x 6cm

  • Sale! Close-up of textured hand-carved wood surface.Fine carving marks showing artisan precision.

    Bwa Sun Mask (Large) – Matta

    $295 $236

    Textured surfaces reveal thoughtful artisan technique.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  51cm x 6cm

  • Sale! Round shape symbolising eternal solar energyCircular Bwa sun mask carved from wood

    Bwa Sun Mask (Medium) – Suko

    $250 $200

    Circular form evokes the eternal sun.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  47cm x 5cm

  • Sale! Light and Dark checker-board geometric design.

    Bwa Sun Mask (Medium) – Diarra

    $220 $176

    Checker-board patterns of light and dark.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  41cm x 5cm

  • Sale! Detailed carving showcasing ancestral symbolism and geometric patterns.

    Bwa Sun Mask (Small) – Muso

    $99 $79.20

    Where skillful craftsmanship meets symbolic Bwa storytelling in wood.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  33cm x 4cm

  • Sale! Hand-carved Bwa sun mask symbolising protection and harmony.Wooden African sun mask crafted by Burkina Faso artisans.

    Bwa Sun Mask (Small) – Hazel

    $99 $79.20

    Radiating ancestral wisdom and protection.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask embodies ancestral symbols of protection and balance, passed down through generations of skilled makers.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (Diameter x Depth):  33cm x 4cm

  • Sale! Artisan wood mask inspired by serpent mythology

    Bwa Serpent Mask – Maitre

    $88 $70.40

    A bold sculptural form with timeless presence.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this spectacular serpent mask embodies protection, movement, and ancestral power, capturing the dynamic spirit of ceremonial performance.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  48cm x 6cm x 7cm

  • Sale! Decorative serpent mask symbolising protection and powerAfrican wood mask adorned with symbolic snake patterns

    Bwa Serpent Mask – Numu

    $88 $70.40

    The unique patterns mirror the serpent’s undulating energy.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this spectacular serpent mask embodies protection, movement, and ancestral power, capturing the dynamic spirit of ceremonial performance.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  48cm x 6cm x 7cm

  • Sale! Hand-carved Bwa serpent mask from Burkina FasoCarved serpent motif mask from Burkina Faso artisans

    Bwa Serpent Mask – Colonel

    $88 $70.40

    A powerful symbol of protection and transformation.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this spectacular serpent mask embodies protection, movement, and ancestral power, capturing the dynamic spirit of ceremonial performance.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection and celebration
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  48cm x 6cm x 7cm

  • Sale! Artisan mask inspired by the mystical chameleonraditional wooden mask with bold linear carving

    Bwa Chameleon Mask – Duke

    $95 $76

    The Duke is here to symbolise adaptability, awareness, and spiritual power.

    Hand-carved by Bwa artisans in Burkina Faso, this mask captures the mystical power and transformative nature of the chameleon, a creature revered in local mythology.

    Cultural Heritage:  Bwa
    Symbolism: Protection, Transformation
    Dimensions (W x H x D):  39cm x 10cm x 7cm

FAQs

Our collection spans West and Central Africa, featuring masks from Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mali, Nigeria, and Ghana. Bwa masks from Burkina Faso are a highlight – including sun masks and animal forms like antelope, elephant, butterfly, and chameleon – known for their bold geometric patterns and flat, carved profiles.

From Gabon, we have Kwele masks with their heart-shaped faces and wide eyes, alongside Fang masks with elongated, minimalist features.

You’ll also find pieces from the Baule and Senufo cultures, each reflecting distinct carving traditions. While most of our masks are rooted in traditional forms and ceremonial use, we also feature contemporary African-inspired designs.

We curate African masks for their craftsmanship, cultural accuracy, and material quality.
Our collection features work carved by African artisans using traditional techniques and genuine hardwoods from their regions.

What we look for:

  • Cultural authenticity – African masks that honor their true tribal and ethnic origins, not replicas or copies from other regions.
  • Timber quality – hardwoods that age beautifully and develop rich character over time.
  • Craftsmanship – symmetry, detail work, and skilled carving.
  • Natural finish – the wood’s natural aging process creates depth and warmth you can’t replicate artificially.


Traditional African masks follow designs passed down through generations for purposes like ceremonies, protection, healing, and storytelling.
Contemporary African masks are creative works by individual carvers – still rooted in cultural tradition and handmade using ancestral techniques, but with artistic freedom.
Both approaches honor their origins. The difference is purpose: one serves ritual function, the other celebrates artistic heritage.

What we avoid: Mass-produced pieces, culturally inaccurate copies, and masks made outside their region of origin.

We take great care in packing and sending all our Artefacts – these are fragile and rare pieces that demand the utmost care and consideration, so they arrive at their end destination in the same condition as when they left Africa.

Shipping costs and delivery timeframes are calculated at checkout based on your location and order size.
We offer free shipping Australia-wide for orders over $90. Full details are available on our shipping page.

Carved African mask with curved horn-like extensions displayed on a wooden table