As populations around the world explode and cultural traditions
are lost to the modern world, the beauty and traditions of African masks
are still alive and well. African masks play a deep and important role
in the history of many African people and their ancestors. Some of the
more rare and older masks are highly sought after by museums and private
collectors, but even the reproductions of many of these masks are
sought after by the average collector. The increasing popularity of
African home décor in America and Europe has created a demand that is
helping many local artisans and villages to sustain a decent living, or
to help supplement their specific occupations such as farming. This
article focuses on some of the history behind African masks, as well as
some of the modern day trends of African art.
The origins and
dates of African masks are highly debated, but some trace African masks
back to pre Paleolithic times, while others believe that there is not
enough evidence to distinctly determine the exact origins of the African
mask. Either way, the importance of the mask in African culture is real
and is still used to this day in many different ways. When it comes to
the themes and motifs employed in African masks, they range from more or
less clearly recognizable human features or busts to the heads of
animals. There are also combinations of the two, including horned humans
and hybrid creatures with human and animal features or with traits
typical of various animal species.
The creators of these masks are
expert woodcarvers, and are without exception men. In many cases, the
skills that they possess are passed down from generation to generation.
On the other hand, there are also many young boys that aspire to be
expert woodcarvers and they are taught from a very young age. He might
spend several years under a master carver learning the specific craft
methods and how to create the products that are most in demand. Once the
young man decides that he has learned the skills proficiently, he may
go out on his own and open his own store. Many woodcarvers will use this
as a form of supplemental income until they are able to make enough
commissions to be a full-time traditional carver.
The masks are
most typically born of a large single piece of wood. The tools used are
very simple and somewhat primitive which is why there is so much skill
involved to produce such beautiful pieces of art. For some carvers, the
entire process is a spiritual journey and they will even be cleansed
before the carving process is initiated. Once the carving process is
complete, the carvings are usually given some sort of color or texture.
Traditionally, many different types of organic dyes and pigments were
used which required a great deal of knowledge with regards to these raw
materials (especially plants). Today, many of the masks are typically
colored with different types of oil based stains and dyes. The masks can
then be adorned with a wide variety of native materials such as cowrie
shells, metal, brass, fur, beads, dried grass, feathers and much more.
The
great majority of African masks are associated not with certain living
persons, but directly or indirectly with supernatural beings or spirits.
The performance of masked figures is generally thought to represent the
visit of spirits from the beyond among men in the here and now. These
supernatural interpretations usually represent spirits of ancestors,
spirits from mythical traditions like gods or cultural heroes, spirits
of nature, like animals, rain spirits as well as spirits that cause
fertility or illness. Finally, some of these supernatural presences
represent spirits of possession.
It is important to note that the
visual representation of a mask does not always portray its supernatural
meaning. For instance, a mask that looks very scary with horns and a
red face does not necessarily mean that the mask was created to
represent a spirit of possession or something evil. In general, the
external form and structure of a mask provides no clear indication of
the type of presence it is intended to visualize.
It is very
common for some of these older and more rare masks to be sold for
thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in America . Most of us
are not able to purchase these types of masks, but that does not mean
that you cannot enjoy beautiful African art for your own collection.
Yes, there are many cheap reproductions coming out of Asia that you can
find all over the internet, but there are also some very beautiful,
affordable and authentic African pieces that almost anyone can get their
hands on. If you are interested, please click on the following link and
it will take you to authentic and affordable African home decor.
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