From the Dogon tribe, museum visitors will encounter several engaging works, such as "Togu Na Houseposts" (wood). A "Togu Na" or "House of Word" stands in every Dogon village and serves as shelter for the men as they discuss village affairs. An exhibit label informs viewers that the symbolic images carved on the "Togu Na" express themes of fertility and procreation. Many of the carvings are of women's breasts, for, as the Dogon proverb says, "The breast is second only to God."

There is also a Dogon "Granary Door" (wood), which served to protect a family's store of millet. The figures on the door have been interpreted to represent the Nommo, male and female ancestral beings. The carvings on the door demonstrate the innate design sense of the artist and are exquisite.

The "Glin Mask" (wood and pigment), from the Baule culture, is used in the "Goli Masquerade Ceremony," a daylong dance spectacle that involves the entire village. The mask from the UMFA collection is that worn by the senior male during the dance. The museum's "Kpan Pre Mask" is that worn by a junior female. However, men dance both the male and female roles in the ceremony.

A "Waka Sran Spirit Figure" (wood), possibly a "Blolo Bian (Spirit Spouse)," is also from the Baule. The "Blolo bian" and "blolo bla" represent the spirit mate that each person has in the Other World. Exhibit information states that, according to the Baule, before you were born, you were married in the spirit world. When you are born into this world, the spirit of this spouse follows you. It helps you throughout life.

However, if the statue causes trouble for you, a diviner has you make another one. The spirit spouse must be kept well-fed, clean and protected with a covering of white cloth.

The "Divination Bowl" (wood) of the Yoruba people would hold kola nuts as offerings of hospitality or as receptacles for 16 sacred palm nuts used in divination. The exhibit also has a "Ose Shango Dance Staff" (wood) and a "Eshu Elegbara Dance Staff" (wood). The staffs were employed in dance to worship the gods Shango and Eshu and used to invoke help.

The beautifully crafted "Ere íbej� Figures" (wood and pigment) are statues representing twin children. "íbej�" is the cult of twins and represents the strong values of family that characterize Yoruba society.

Another magnificent work from the Yoruba is a "King's Headress" (fiber and beads). The mythology of the Yoruba's first king will delight viewers.

All Kuba masks belong to the king. The "Bwoom Mask" (wood, beads, raffia and copper), with its bulging forehead and nose and sharply angled cheekbones, symbolizes maleness.