28 Africa

Nankani compound, Ghana

Doll (biiga), Burkina Faso

Yoruba Twin Figures (ere Ibeji)

Initiation wall panels, Congo

Bwa Masks, Burkina Faso

Temne Nowo masquerade with attendants

Bwami Mask (lukwakongo)

Kongo Power figure (nkisi nkonde)

Baule Spirit spouse (blolo bla) Ivory coast

Finial of a spokesperson’s staff (okyeame poma)

Adinkra Symbols, Ghana

Kente cloth

• black -- maturation, intensified spiritual energy• blue -- peacefulness, harmony and love• green -- vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal• gold -- royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity• grey -- healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash• maroon -- the color of mother earth; associated with healing• pink -- assoc. with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red• purple -- assoc. with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women• red -- political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites and death.• silver -- serenity, purity, joy; assoc. with the moon• white -- purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions• yellow -- preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility

Kente Cloth Color Symbolism

Decorated building (sleeping room for nyim) in the royal compound of the Kuba Nyim

Kuba Nyim

Mbop Mabiinc MambekyKuba peoples

Ise Veranda Posts, Nigeria

Palace Door, Nigeria

Kanaga and rabbit masquerade figures at Dama

Inuba entering the community for funeral performance in the company of senior titleholders

Fang Reliquary guardian, Gabon

Altar (Asen), Benin

El Anatsui

Divination basket (Ngombo)