African Art Blog

In the world of art, African masks are considered among the finest treasures. They are highly valued and sought after both, by amateur collectors as well as learned art collectors.

African masks are important from an historical perspective in addition to their worth as art. They trace their history to the beginning of the Stone Age when humans first began to use tools. An African mask may be made from any of a variety of materials including wood, leather, fabric and metal.

Significance of African Masks

Masks have a very significant place in the tradition and culture of Africa. Masks have been used through history and continue to be used today in ritual masking ceremonies. In ritualistic ceremonies the mask is representative of a spirit; it is further held by natives that the spirits of their ancestors possess the person who dons the mask.

Ceremonial Masks and Masking Ceremonies

Meaning of Ceremonial Masks

African ceremonial masks normally represent gods, spirits of ancestors, the dead, mythological entities, good, evil, animal spirits and any other entity thought to have powers over humans. African families and clans believe their ancestry to descend from certain animals or beings. Masks that depict their human ancestors or those that depict their totem ancestors (animals or other beings) are objects of great family pride. African masks may be presented with gifts and honored in ceremonies when it is believed to be the dwelling place of the spirit they depict.

Wood Mask: "Initiation" by Victor Yao Delanyo

When Masking Ceremonies Happen

Masking ceremonies take place during important times or in anticipation of significant events. For example, masking ceremonies would be held for crop harvest, tribal initiation and coming of age, celebrations, in preparation for war and in times of peace.  Oversimplified, masking ceremonies are an appeal to the spirits and ancestors for help in times of need in addition to warding off evil and celebrating good.

How Masking Ceremonies Work

An African mask may be worn in various ways; as a head dress or crest resting on the head, as a helmet covering the whole head or as a vertical cover for the face. Some tribes wear a body mask that covers the torso in addition to their face mask.

African traditional ceremonial masks are worn by one selected dancer or if the ceremony is an initiation, by the initiate. In the course of the ceremony a deep trance overtakes the dancer. While in this state of trance it is believed that the mask wearer communicates his ancestors. Ancestors imbue the mask wearer with wisdom to pass on to the tribe. These messages are commonly garbled and grunted so a wise man/translator often attends the mask wearer during the ceremony to properly ascertain the meaning of the message. Generally, dance, song and traditional African music accompany all rituals and ceremonies.

Throughout history African ceremonies and rituals have been an essential to African life.  However, due to the damage to tribal economies as a result of divisions created by Colonials and the mass displacement of many tribes, the majority of African people have lost their cultural/tribal identity. Sadly, masking ceremonies are no longer common in Africa.

Buying African Masks Online

Today, the Internet allows us access to masks marketed by artisans from all of Africa. Many of today’s mask makers are engaged in making pieces of art to sell to buyers from all over the world. The demand for authentic African masks is huge. There are many mass produced masks available on the market cashing in on the tremendous interest in authentic African masks. If, as a buyer, you are searching for authenticity, go online to the source. There are numerous websites based in Africa selling tribal made art work.

Many of the sites offer a Fair Trade disclosure guaranteeing that the African artisan is receiving a fair amount for his work. If you’re serious about Africa, I’d really push you to please buy from one of those sites – it’s a world of difference to the people and the culture’s you’re fascinated by.

Novica (I think it’s run by National Geographic) is one of them.
StrictlyAfrica.com is another.
ForAfricanArt.com would be my third choice.

They all have some really great stuff (that’s where these pretty pics come from), and I quite like them.

The Many Faces of Africa

Authentic African masks are tribal specific; in other words, the masks made by each tribe are distinct from those of other tribes. Vertical masks from the Congo are carved from wonderful woods to ensure their beauty as a work of art. Typical of African masks, Congolese masks may be very colorful and joyous or they may be dark and intimidating. Online you will find totem masks depicting baboons among others. You will find a vast array of masks celebrating various gods and goddesses such as the River Goddess.

Nigerian masks are simply magnificent. Beautiful dark woods are the base material for carving the masks. Many are heavily adorned to enhance the power and wealth of the wearer. Current Nigerian masks seem to reflect peace and contentment rather than intimidation and threat.

The two tribes mentioned above are but a very small sampling of the African masks you will find online. Authentic African masks abound on the vast array of websites promoting the economies of African tribes.

African masks are truly wondrous. They are traditional ritualistic items as well as marvelous works of art. The history surrounding the African mask is fascinating. Understanding the background, the mythology, the religion use of African masks and tribal masks is critical to the true appreciation of masks as more than a decoration.

Having said that, nothing could be more eye-catching than an African mask on your wall or desk. When you put an African mask on your wall or on your desk you are not just putting something pretty out for people to see. It’s a symbol of real respect for African tradition, African history and African culture.

Alright everyone, until next time (hopefully soonish!)…

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