Rare work of art, this Dogon mask features oblique eyes and a narrow mouth revealing upper dentition. In addition, it boasts a matte patina with some minor abrasions and desiccation cracks. What do you need to consider about African art masks.
African culture has long incorporated decorative objects as symbols, with these decorative objects serving as a visual representation. Their forms vary according to various criteria – including sculpting human faces’ features, reproducing half-human/half-animal composite faces, or engraving them with multiple motifs.
They are a form of art.
African masks have long been prized collectibles, and museum displays worldwide. Crafted chiefly of wood, though other materials such as metal beads and raffia clay may also be utilized – these may then be decorated using natural dyes made from leaves bark seeds and animal teeth or porcupine quills for decoration.
Many masks displayed in art galleries and private collections were acquired during colonialism, becoming part of Africa’s cultural heritage but being kept out of their country of origin. This situation should be of grave concern.
Some of the most iconic masks throughout history have been part of secret societies that significantly influence community behavior. These groups usually consist of men and women’s sections who perform rituals like circumcisions, weddings, and funerals – as well as being vital in supporting young children by participating in dances with masks to celebrate significant life events.
They are a form of decoration.
African masks are beloved artwork worldwide, adding a striking look to any home decor. You can hang one indoors or outdoors, depending on the style and desired colors. Display with other tribal or contemporary artwork pieces for best effect; turn rent tones to highlight its colors correctly.
Various cultures have long used Masks to highlight their colors correctly, an embodiment of an ancestor or deity’s spirit, and worn during rituals to ensure a successful harvest or appease gods in times of climate hazards. Masks also act as intermediaries between life and death by connecting these worlds.
African masks are crafted using various materials such as wood, metal, and clay. They’re often decorated with beads and ornamental items like animal hair, horns, and sea shells; and can also be painted using natural coloring agents such as ochre.
They are a form of communication.
Masks are worn to communicate with the spirits of ancestors and other community members. Once in a trance state, their heart takes over and relay messages through grunted utterances into society. Masks may be worn during initiation ceremonies, weddings, funerals, or any other significant event to facilitate communication with these entities.
This mask from Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana features both human and animal features. The face has an appealing naturalistic volume while its forehead contains an interlaced triangle grid of dark and light tones; small ears are covered with kaolin; the patina features minor abrasions.
This tribal mask from north-western Zaire recalls Ngbaka and Ngbandi sculptures with its ridged nose and similar striations patterns, decorated by parallel lines running along its nose and parallel lines along its body. In addition, the carved head features cowries adorning its crown; its erosion numbers remind one of the rocks, while diamond patterns symbolize Ngbaka fabric weave patterns.
They are a form of protection.
African masks are more than decorative objects; they hold deep cultural meaning and symbolize the supernatural. Used during rituals and ceremonies for various reasons ranging from fertility ceremonies to communicating spiritual presences during burial rites or initiatory practices, African masks represent their culture and the supernatural. Shaped after animal muzzles or human faces but not always realistic features, their nonrealism emphasizes spirit over appearance in these art pieces.
African masks available for sale in our online store are handcrafted by artisans from various African regions, giving them a distinct style that has inspired several artistic movements such as cubism or fauvism. Furthermore, these sculptures are highly valued for their aesthetic qualities and can even be hung on walls to create an ethnic or exotic environment.
Masks serve aesthetic and protective purposes in many cultures – many associate them with witchcraft!
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