Rafiki '23

Mom Mask Series

Fired ceramic with matte paint and glossy glazes

This sculptural display mask captures the striking, iconic features of the wise mandrill character from the Broadway production of The Lion King. The hand-sculpted form purposefully plays with the animal-human relationship at the heart of the Broadway show, blending primal wildlife features with the expressive contours of a human theatrical mask. The design balances a smooth, earthy brown base with vibrant, heavily texturized blue markings that frame the eyes like expressive fur, while a bold, matte red stripe highlights the center bridge of the nose. Part of a larger series dedicated to my relationship with my mother—who passed down her lifelong love of theater and storytelling—this non-wearable, functional display mask stands as a powerful exploration of performance history, zoomorphic design, and shared family roots.

Dimensions: 8" x 6.75" x 3"