Solemn and regal, the Onukpa mask is worn when the king of the Ga people passes away and his heir assumes the throne. Meaning both Next of Kin and Elderly One, this Onukpa mask is part of a celebration that includes festive drumming and dancing. Ghana's Robert Nortey carves the sese wood replica by hand featuring a bird looking down from the crown to the forehead, which is decorated with white clay. Nortey also uses clay to create the textures on the cheeks of this brown mask.
Language: English
