Most were created for a religious context, or to commemorate ancestors or rulers. African arts are living extensions of an unseen world charged with supernatural power. They are a medium of awe, honor and respect. African art is commonly executed in wood, metal, ivory, though other materials are used for artistic expression. Wood is the most common material and is shaped into masks, votive figures, or commemorative sculptures.
Masks often employ additional materials, like shells, or can be made entirely from fiber.
Ife, in Nigeria, was a center for this art form and the museum was fortunately to have possession of two original Ife bronze pieces for a period of time and were able to make accurate casts of them. The originals are now housed in the museum at Ife, Nigeria. Ivory is a powerful material associated with a powerful animal. It is a royal substance and is often associated with shrines for kings and chiefs. Hippopotamus tusks were magically powerful and were made into protective charms.