Objects & Furnishings
from the Hand & Heart

New Arrivals

January 20, 2012

Disguise in love with you . . .

Body Mask A1100-271

Body Mask A1100-271All masks are part of a disguise; but not all masks cover the face. This week’s new arrival illustrates this concept perfectly. It is a “body mask” created by the Yoruba people who reside in present day Nigeria. Carved from a single piece of wood and painted, it is then tied onto the torso of male Yoruba dancers who mimic and exaggerate female movements to create an effective illusion, the real purpose of any disguise.

The mask is worn for the Gelede Festival, an elaborate masquerade celebrating the special powers of women, both those who are physically here and those who are not, the ancestors. Collectively and affectionately, all are called “our mothers.” Ironically, it is the job of men disguised as women to dance vigorously and convincingly so our mothers will bestow their blessings on the community. However, one thing they can’t disguise is this mask, which stands alone as a compelling work of art – here or on the other side of the world in Yoruba land.

Body Mask
Part of our much larger collection of African art
Yoruba People
Nigeria, West Africa
Mid 20th C.
Wood and paint.
12 ½” Wide X 7 ½” Deep X 22” High

Price on request

Body Mask A1100-271Body Mask A1100-271
Body Mask A1100-271Body Mask A1100-271

One Great Thing, No.03 - Ghanaian Movie Posters


In this edition of One Great Thing, Glen Joffe presents Ghanaian Movie Posters.

Although at first glance the subject appears obscure, the posters are extraordinarily engaging. Painted in oil paint on opened-up flour sacks, the only canvas available to the artists who created them, they advertise "B" and "C" Hollywood horror and action movies, Bollywood movies, Kung Fu movies from the Hong Kong film industry, and oftentimes bizarre movies (by American standards) from Nigeria and Ghana. Frankly, we find the posters more interesting than the films they advertise.

The best of the world right next door!


Primitive presents exclusive as well as one-of-a-kind collections of furniture, artifacts, art, textiles, jewelry and fashion from all over the world. Whether it’s a complete room setting or a single piece of furniture; an antique or something newly made; an installation of accessories or a single spectacular item; something to be worn every day or only on special occasions; a gift for a loved one or yourself; everything offered at Primitive has a story, history, purpose and design heritage, and comes from the hand and heart.

Enter our store, warehouse or website and inside you will find a colorful mosaic of authentic collections representing over 100 cultures worldwide, brought from some of the world’s hardest to reach places; and thoughtfully crafted, exclusive proprietary products. All are presented because they are meritorious and meaningful. Yet, PRIMITIVE is more than a store or brand. It is a place for you to be a traveler and treasure hunter, to collect and connect to other people, places and times, and to adorn your life in relevant, attractive, meaningful ways.

Discover how a thought, feeling, or idea translated into an engaging, meaningful object of desire is Primitive.