An African Art Mask Reveals
The Very Soul Of A Continent

An African art mask is one of the most stunning visual representations of traditional art from the continent of Africa. Masks, especially African, leave you wondering what's really behind the facade.

Out of Africa have come fabric, leather, metal and wooden masks. They constitute some of the finest creations in the entire art world.

Highly sought after by collectors, a coveted african art mask may represent anything from a human to an animal to a mythical creature!

Digging Deeper

Masking ceremonies have great cultural and traditional significance to the peoples of varying African regions. They offer greater insight into the ideas and moral ideals that African artists express in their work.

Understanding of the aesthetic principles and the religious and ceremonial values underlying these traditional ceremonies helps us to further appreciate the awe-inspiring beauty of the African art mask. Click on any of our links for more interesting information.

In their original context, ceremonial African masks were used in a variety of ways, such as:

• celebrations
• initiations
• crop harvesting
• war preparation
• "trouble" times

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African Masking Ceremonies

First, an initiated dancer is chosen to wear the mask. As the ceremony begins, the dancer enters a deep trance-like state and during this time he "communicates" with his ancestors. He then brings forth messages through song, dance and music.

African masks can be worn three different ways:

1. vertically covering the face
2. as helmets, encasing the entire head
3. as a crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise.

Ceremonial masks are one of the most commonly found forms of art in western Africa. Most are made with wood, and can be decorated with:

• ivory
• animal hair
• plant fibers (such as raffia)
• pigments (like kaolin)
• stones
• semi-precious gems

Possessed By The Spirits

Masks often represent spirits and it's believed that the spirits of the ancestors posses the wearer during the ceremony. Ritual masking ceremonies also depict deities, mythological beings, good or evil, the dead or animal spirits.

Masks of human or totem ancestors are often objects of family pride. Understood to be the dwelling for the spirit, they are often adorned with beadwork to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from harm.

It's also believed that the owner becomes mystically altered by the mask. This is another way that African art transforms and renews us. Allow the joy found in artworks to magically transport you to another world.

I invite you to visit my African art for sale page where you can get your very own treasure. And if you don't find exactly what you're looking for, contact me and I'll do my best to source it for you.

African art pieces, whether African wall art, sculpture, jewelry or masks always delight the senses and stir the emotions. They truly capture the beauty of life and rekindle your excitement for living it. Art is the answer to enjoying every moment!

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