“Livelihood and Wealth” – Mali

Mask in red, black, and white (signifying love, power, and communion with tribal ancestors and with god, respectively). Small shells, once used as a type of currency in many parts of Africa, outline the mask and symbolize wealth; Jute cloth, used for rugs in the homes of the wealthy, also serves as decoration. On top of the mask perches the figure of what could be a man, woman, or animal; its eyes are closed and its head covered with a concave-shaped hat. The figure represents man’s communion with god and his ability to direct his thoughts.