Gallery

Discover the Legacy

Welcome to the Kembullah Art Gallery, where each piece of art tells a story. Explore the rich cultural heritage of African tribes through intricate sculptures, vibrant masks, and captivating stories. As you journey through our gallery, immerse yourself in the history and traditions of each tribe. Listen to the accompanying audio narrations to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the artworks.

Discover the spiritual and artistic legacy that each piece represents, and let the voices of the past guide you through this unique cultural experience.

Ropoka Stone

Origin: Shona tribe from Zimbabwe
General Info: Represents Shona ancestors.

The Ropoka stone reflects the Shona’s rich history of stone carving, originating from their ancestral worship practices. The Shona people, who built great stone cities over a thousand years ago, use these stones to connect with their ancestors, seeking guidance and blessings through intricate carvings.

Ba-Pende Tribe Initiation Ceremonies Mask

Origin: Ba-Pende tribe from the Congo
General Info: Carved out of frake wood in the 1970s; represents the night bird, the Owl.

This mask is central to the Ba-Pende initiation ceremonies, symbolizing the transition of young individuals into adulthood. The Pende people’s matrilineal society and their intricate masks, known for their dramatic expressions, play a crucial role in their cultural and spiritual rituals.

Fang Tribe Healing & Initiation Ceremonies Mask

Origin: Fang tribe from Western Gabon
General Info: Used in healing and initiation ceremonies; made of rubber wood, masks from the 1950s-1960s.

The Fang tribe’s masks are used in sacred rituals to communicate with the spiritual realm. These masks, often covered with white clay, embody the spirits of ancestors, aiding in healing ceremonies and connecting the community with their spiritual heritage.

Kuba Tribe Helmet Dance Mask

Origin: Kuba tribe from the Congo
General Info: Used in royal ceremonies; made of Sambas wood; 1950s mask.

Kuba helmet masks are integral to royal ceremonies, representing the authority and heritage of the Kuba people. These elaborately carved masks are symbols of power and are used in dances that honor the royal lineage and cultural history.

Oba Beaded Crown

Origin: Yoruba tribe from Nigeria
General Info: Worn by King Oba in the Benin Kingdom; beaded work from the 1970s-1980s.

The Oba Beaded Crown is a significant symbol of Yoruba royalty, intricately crafted to reflect the king’s divine status. The Yoruba people’s rich cultural heritage is expressed through their beadwork, signifying power and reverence in royal ceremonies.

Attie Tribe Young Mature Lady Queen Seated on the Throne

General Info: Represents a young mature lady queen; used in generation ceremonies; made of rubber wood.

This statue represents the Attie people’s tradition of generational transition, where the young mature take over from the older generation. Carved from rubber wood, it embodies the cultural significance of leadership and continuity in the Attie tribe.

Baoulé Tribe Statue

Origin: Baoulé tribe from the Ivory Coast
General Info: From the Bouake region; part of the Akan group; linked to Queen Abla Pokou.

The Baoulé statue, representing Queen Abla Pokou’s legacy, is a symbol of the tribe’s rich history and cultural heritage. The Baoulé people’s art reflects their journey and the importance of leadership and resilience in their society.

Fang Tribe Healing Ceremony Statue

Origin: Fang tribe from Gabon
General Info: Used in healing ceremonies; made of rubber wood; covered with white clay.

Fang healing ceremony statues are powerful symbols of spiritual communication. These figures, covered in white clay, are used to invoke the presence of ancestors, aiding in healing rituals and reinforcing the spiritual bonds within the community.

Dogon Tribe Maternity Statue

Origin: Dogon tribe from the Bandiagara Cliffs in Mali
General Info: Represents mother and child; carved out of Nere wood.

The Dogon maternity statue is a celebration of motherhood and fertility. The Dogon people’s intricate carvings reflect their deep respect for maternal figures and the vital role of women in their society.

Lega Tribe Ancestor Ape Statue

Origin: Lega tribe from the Congo
General Info: Represents ancestor apes; symbol of wisdom; made of rubber wood.

Lega ancestor ape statues symbolize wisdom and ancestral power. The Lega people’s art is deeply rooted in their spiritual beliefs, with these statues playing a crucial role in rituals that honor and invoke the spirits of their ancestors.

Chokwe Tribe Initiation & Harvest Ceremony Dance Mask

Origin: Chokwe tribe from the Congo & Angola border region
General Info: Used in initiation and harvest ceremonies; made of frake wood with woven fibers as hair.

Chokwe dance masks are essential in initiation and harvest ceremonies, symbolizing the connection between the human and spiritual realms. These masks, adorned with woven fibers, represent the Chokwe people’s artistic heritage and their deep-rooted cultural traditions.

Luba Tribe Healing & Initiation Ceremonies Mask

Origin: Luba tribe from the Congo
General Info: Used in healing and initiation ceremonies; made of Samba wood; carved in the 1990s.

The Luba healing and initiation masks are powerful symbols of the tribe’s spiritual and political heritage. These masks, intricately carved, are used in ceremonies that reinforce the Luba people’s connection to their ancestors and their rich cultural history.

Songye Tribe Dance Mask

Origin: Songye tribe from the Congo
General Info: Used in initiation ceremonies; made of rubber wood; carved in the 1940s.

Songye dance masks, known for their dynamic and powerful designs, play a vital role in initiation ceremonies. These masks, often adorned with metal and other materials, represent the Songye people’s spiritual beliefs and their artistic prowess.

Dan Tribe Racing & Harvest Ceremony Mask

Origin: Dan tribe from the Ivory Coast (Man Region)
General Info: Male mask used in racing and harvest ceremonies; made of rubber wood; carved in the 1960s.

The Dan male mask is an essential part of vibrant racing and harvest ceremonies, where it is worn by men to invoke the spirit of competition and celebration. These masks, crafted with intricate details, are not only artistic masterpieces but also embody the community’s connection to their land and traditions. The ceremonies featuring these masks are lively events that blend physical prowess with cultural expression, showcasing the Dan people’s deep respect for their heritage and natural environment.

Dan Tribe Female Ritual Ceremonies Mask

Origin: Dan tribe from the Ivory Coast (Man Region)
General Info: Used in ritual ceremonies; made of rubber wood; carved in the 1970s.

The Dan female ritual mask is used in ceremonies to connect with the spiritual realm. These masks, representing the Dan people’s artistic skill, play a crucial role in rituals that honor their animist beliefs and cultural traditions.

Dje Sacred Mask

Origin: Dan tribe from the Ivory Coast (Man Region)
General Info: Sacred mask symbolizing the ram; made of rubber wood.

The Dje Sacred Mask, representing the ram, holds significant spiritual importance. Used in various ceremonies, this mask symbolizes strength and protection, embodying the Dan people’s deep connection to their spiritual beliefs and practices.