Desmond Nii Kortey Botchway finds inspiration in the masquerades of the Gulf of Guinea, West Africa, drawing from their rich cultural significance and the elaborate costumes worn during these performances. These masquerades, often linked to spiritual rituals and community celebrations, serve as a medium for storytelling, the embodiment of ancestral spirits, and the expression of identity. Botchway's works reflect the vibrant traditions, intricate masks, and symbolic attire that are central to these ceremonies. He explores how these masks and costumes, with their colors, shapes, and materials, represent both the past and the living connection between people and their cultural heritage.

Originating as rituals to honor ancestors and spirits. These performances were integral to community ceremonies, marking rites of passage and seasonal festivals. The masks and costumes, crafted with cultural symbolism, reflect the values, beliefs, and identity of the people, serving as a living connection to their heritage and ancestral teachings.