Across West Africa, Indigenous communities mark holidays, rites, and sacred events with a remarkable variety of ceremonies ranging from dances to processions. These masquerade traditions incorporate meticulously carved masks and full-body costumes that often facilitate links between humans and the spiritual world.

Sheky “Goldenfinger” Fofanah parading with his Mami Wata devil during the Massaboni Ordehlay procession (December 26, 2022), Lunsar, Sierra Leone
Photography by Amanda M.
Hervé Youmbi (Cameroon), “Tso Scream Mask” from the ‘Visage de masques (IX) series’ (2015-2023), wood, pigment, fiber, beads, textile, glue, velvet fabric, cotton fabri
Headpieces by David Sanou, studio of André Sanou, “Kimi” masks during a performance of greetings with the lead griot Tchiedo playing his drum behind them (May 3, 2022), Bin
Chief Ekpenyong Bassey Nsa (Nigeria), “Afia Awan Masquerade Ensemble” (2022), polyester fabric, raffia, and leather, life-size. Collection of the New Orleans Museum of Art
Sheku "Goldenfinger" Fofanah, "Fairy" Masquerade Ensemble (detail) (2022). All images courtesy of the New Orleans Museum of Art, shared with permission
Headpiece by André Sanou and body by anonymous artist, “Kimi” masquerade ensemble in honor of André Sanou’s ‘Qui Dit Miuex?’ (2022). Collection of Fitchburg Art Muse
Hervé Youmbi, “Tso Scream Mask” and “Tso Scream Leopard Mask” at the Nka’a Kossié society succession ceremony at Fondanti Chieftancy (December 3, 2022)
Photography by Her.
Hervé Youmbi, “Bamiléké-Kwele Ku’ngang Gorilla Mask” and “Single-faced Rhino Mask” during a ceremony in Fondanti village (2019)
Photography by Hervé Youmbi, courtesy of.