Paul Lass Estate Collection
Introduction
Paul Lass Estate Collection of African Art featuring vintage tribal masks, Korhogo textiles, bronze sculpture and ceremonial objects collected across West Africa in the 1970s.
Ethnique Chique is honoured to present the Paul Lass Estate Collection, an exceptional assembly of African masks, textiles, sculptures, and ceremonial objects acquired throughout West Africa during the 1970s. While posted to Ghana as an engineer, Paul Lass developed a deep appreciation for the artistic traditions of the region and travelled extensively to villages and artisan communities, acquiring works directly from local craftsmen during a period when many of these traditions remained closely connected to everyday cultural life.
Spanning Ghana, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria, this collection reflects the extraordinary diversity of West African artistic expression. From finely carved ceremonial masks and symbolic textiles to bronze sculpture and traditional games, each piece embodies both aesthetic excellence and cultural heritage. Today, Ethnique Chique is privileged to offer a carefully curated selection from this remarkable estate, preserving not only the artistry of the objects themselves but also the story of a passionate collector who sought authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural connection.
The Collection
Guéré Warrior Mask | Ivory Coast
Vintage Guéré Warrior Mask from Ivory Coast, hand-carved wood tribal art acquired in 1978. A striking collector piece from the Paul Lass Estate Collection.
This striking Guéré Warrior Mask from Ivory Coast exemplifies the bold visual language that has made West African tribal art highly sought after among collectors worldwide. Hand-carved from wood and measuring 36 cm high by 23 cm wide and 14 cm deep, the mask displays the expressive features and dramatic sculptural presence characteristic of Guéré craftsmanship. Acquired by Paul Lass in 1978, the piece has remained within the estate collection for nearly five decades. Its commanding presence, rich patina, and authentic age make it a distinguished example of vintage African wall art and a compelling addition to both tribal art collections and sophisticated contemporary interiors.
Mossi Karan-Wemba Antelope Headdress | Burkina Faso
Authentic Mossi antelope headdress from Burkina Faso, acquired in 1978. A large hand-carved African tribal sculpture with exceptional visual presence.
Elegant and monumental in form, this Mossi Karan-Wemba antelope headdress originates from Burkina Faso and was acquired in 1978 during Paul Lass's travels through West Africa. Hand-carved from wood and standing an impressive 80 cm in height, the sculpture reflects the powerful symbolism associated with antelope imagery throughout the region, often celebrating fertility, prosperity, and harmony with nature. Measuring 80 cm by 15 cm by 10 cm, its graceful silhouette creates exceptional visual impact, making it equally appealing to collectors of African ceremonial art and interior designers seeking a dramatic statement piece.
Bwa Basi Fish Mask | Burkina Faso
Vintage Bwa Fish Mask from Burkina Faso featuring bold geometric carving and ceremonial symbolism. Collected in West Africa in 1978.
Distinguished by its bold geometric composition and elongated proportions, this Bwa Basi Fish Mask represents one of the most visually striking traditions of Burkina Faso. Hand-carved from wood and measuring 85 cm high with a width and depth of 20 cm, the mask embodies the graphic aesthetic for which Bwa art is internationally recognised. Acquired in 1978, the piece combines sculptural sophistication with cultural symbolism associated with water, abundance, and community life. Its architectural form lends itself beautifully to contemporary display while retaining the authenticity sought by serious collectors of African tribal art.
Ashanti Baluba Moon Face Mask | Ghana
Elegant Ashanti Moon Face Mask from Ghana with wood and brass detailing. A distinctive piece of African wall art from the Paul Lass Collection.
This elegant Moon Face Mask from Ghana combines carved wood with decorative brass accents, creating a refined work that bridges traditional craftsmanship and decorative art. Measuring 40 cm high, 30 cm wide, and 9 cm deep, the mask presents a harmonious circular visage enhanced by warm metallic detailing. Collected by Paul Lass in 1978, the piece highlights the enduring artistic traditions of Ghana while offering exceptional versatility for display. Whether incorporated into a curated tribal art collection or a contemporary interior, it provides both visual elegance and cultural resonance.
Senufo Kpeliye Double-Face Mask | Ivory Coast
Rare Senufo Kpeliye Double-Face Mask from Ivory Coast. Museum-quality African tribal art collected in West Africa during the 1970s.
Among the finest masks in the collection, this rare Senufo Kpeliye Double-Face Mask from Ivory Coast exemplifies the grace, balance, and symbolism that have made Senufo art highly prized in museums and private collections worldwide. Hand-carved from wood and measuring 45 cm high, 21.5 cm wide, and 12.5 cm deep, the sculpture presents two finely rendered faces in a remarkably harmonious composition. Acquired in 1978, this exceptional piece captures the aesthetic refinement associated with Senufo traditions and stands as a museum-quality example of African tribal artistry.
Senufo Kpeliye Mask | Ivory Coast
Authentic Senufo Kpeliye Mask from Ivory Coast featuring refined hand-carving and traditional symbolism. Estate Collection African art.
Graceful, refined, and beautifully balanced, this Senufo Kpeliye Mask reflects one of the most celebrated artistic traditions in West Africa. Carved from wood and measuring 33 cm high by 16.5 cm wide and 11.5 cm deep, the mask embodies ideals of beauty, harmony, and ancestral connection. Acquired in Ivory Coast in 1978, it displays the elegant proportions and sophisticated craftsmanship that continue to attract collectors of African art throughout the world. Its understated presence allows it to integrate effortlessly into both traditional and contemporary settings.
Dan Dean Gle Mask | Ivory Coast
Exceptional Dan Dean Gle Mask from Ivory Coast. A highly sought-after example of vintage African tribal art with elegant sculptural beauty.
Regarded as one of the most desirable forms of African tribal art, the Dan Dean Gle Mask is celebrated for its idealised beauty, extraordinary refinement, and balanced proportions. This example, collected in Ivory Coast in 1978, measures 23 cm in height, 14 cm in width, and 7.5 cm in depth. Carved from wood with remarkable precision, the mask displays the smooth surfaces and harmonious features that have made Dan masks particularly sought after by collectors and museums. Despite its relatively modest dimensions, the piece possesses a remarkable presence and represents one of the highlights of the Paul Lass Collection.
Korhogo Mudcloth Wall Hanging (Brown) | Ivory Coast
Large vintage Korhogo Mudcloth from Ivory Coast featuring traditional Senufo imagery. A remarkable African textile and statement wall hanging.
This impressive Korhogo Mudcloth textile, measuring 173 cm by 117 cm, represents the rich storytelling traditions of the Senufo people of Ivory Coast. Handcrafted from cotton and acquired in 1978, the work features the symbolic imagery and organic compositions for which vintage Korhogo cloths are renowned. Its large scale and warm earth-toned palette make it ideally suited as a statement wall hanging, while its cultural significance appeals equally to textile collectors and admirers of African decorative arts.
Korhogo Mudcloth Wall Hanging (Black) | Ivory Coast
Authentic Korhogo Mudcloth textile from Ivory Coast. A dramatic African wall hanging showcasing traditional Senufo design and symbolism.
Bold, graphic, and exceptionally decorative, this black Korhogo Mudcloth exemplifies the visual power of traditional Senufo textile art. Crafted from cotton and measuring 157 cm by 107 cm, the piece combines striking symbolic motifs with sophisticated compositional balance. Acquired in 1978, it remains a compelling example of African textile artistry and offers an elegant focal point for interiors inspired by global design, contemporary minimalism, or curated collector aesthetics.
Yoruba Marriage Chain | Nigeria
Rare Yoruba Marriage Chain sculpture from Nigeria symbolizing unity and partnership. An authentic vintage African decorative object.
This unusual Yoruba Marriage Chain sculpture from Nigeria symbolizes connection, partnership, and familial unity through its interconnected carved forms. Handcrafted from wood and measuring 38 cm high by 26 cm wide and 10 cm deep, the work combines elegant design with compelling cultural symbolism. Acquired in 1978, the sculpture possesses both decorative appeal and narrative depth, making it equally attractive as a collector's object and as a meaningful addition to a thoughtfully designed interior.
Ebony Carved Head Sculpture | Benin
Hand-carved ebony head sculpture from Benin. A refined piece of African art combining traditional craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
Elegant and dignified, this carved head sculpture from Benin demonstrates the exceptional skill of West African woodcarvers. Measuring 40 cm high, 28 cm wide, and 15 cm deep, the sculpture is crafted from ebony and displays a refined balance of form, proportion, and expression. The head weights nearly 8kg because of the ebony's density. Acquired in 1978, the work serves as both a decorative statement and a celebration of traditional African craftsmanship, offering lasting appeal to collectors of sculpture and ethnographic art alike.
King Oba Bronze Head | Benin
Important King Oba Bronze Head inspired by the Benin Kingdom tradition. Exceptional African sculpture from the distinguished Paul Lass Estate Collection.
The centerpiece of the collection, this monumental King Oba Bronze Head draws inspiration from the celebrated bronze casting traditions of the Benin Kingdom. Cast in bronze and measuring an impressive 35.5 cm high, 16.5 cm wide, and 18.5 cm deep, the sculpture commands immediate attention through its scale, craftsmanship, and powerful presence. Acquired in 1978, the work evokes one of Africa's most influential artistic legacies while offering exceptional decorative and collector appeal. Distinguished by its remarkable patina and sculptural authority, it stands as a truly museum-worthy statement piece.
Oware Game with 36 Beads | Ghana
Traditional Oware game from Ghana with 36 playing beads. A rare hand-carved African cultural object and decorative collector piece.
Among Africa's oldest and most beloved strategy games, Oware has been enjoyed for generations across West Africa. This finely carved wooden example from Ghana measures 45 cm in length, 18 cm in width, and 15 cm in depth and includes 36 playing beads. Acquired in 1978, it functions both as a playable game and as a beautiful cultural object. Blending craftsmanship, history, and tradition, it offers collectors a unique opportunity to bring an authentic piece of African heritage into their home.
Ashanti Brass Chess Set | Ghana
Vintage Ashanti Brass Chess Set with mahogany board. A collectible African art object combining craftsmanship, strategy and decorative appeal.
This remarkable Ashanti Brass Chess Set transforms a timeless strategy game into a work of art. Acquired in 1978 and featuring intricately cast brass pieces displayed on a mahogany board measuring approximately 56 cm by 50 cm, the set embodies both craftsmanship and cultural character. It appeals equally to chess enthusiasts, interior designers, and collectors seeking decorative objects that combine beauty, functionality, and historical interest. Its rarity and visual presence position it among the most distinctive pieces within the collection.