Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Delving Into The Tradition Of African Tribal Masks

By Lucile Jacobs


Often seen as objects of art, the African tribal masks play an important role in even modern day tribal culture. For many tribes it is still seen as a magical part of each and every ceremony. The people of the tribe take part in these ceremonies at a feverish pace.

Anthropologists have spent years studying some of these cultures in order to uncover their true meaning. With the body dressed in full regalia, the mask is but a part of the entire illusion. None were made with materials that lasted very long and others were destroyed by the tribe once a ceremony had been completed.

It is surprising how so many tribes share in such a vast number of rituals. This proves to be the importance that these rituals played in the lives of the African tribesman. Each tribe has a shaman, or healer, who is held in high esteem. The shaman is the gateway between earth and the supernatural world. With their faces completely covered, they will contact the spirits for guidance and use this medium to forecast future events affecting their tribe.

Even in today's copies, these facial coverings will emit the power of magic. Not necessarily because a person believes in their power, but rather the belief held in them by ancient and modern tribe rituals. Despite the pagan view held by so many, it is by masking that the shaman can reveal his magic.

You will never find a tribal face covering that is an exact replica of another. They were used for numerous purposes and each purpose required a specific mask. They could be seeking spiritual guidance, or release from an illness. Whatever the reason, a new face covering was sculpted to fit the reason it was being used for. They often would often beseech prosperity for the tribe.

If you were the chosen one to make the facial coverings you were held in high esteem by your fellow men. This talent was taught to an individual by those that did the work before them. Every color and marking had a purpose, and the master carver knew them all.

The mask itself can be created from stone, wood, ivory, and metal. Occasionally even animal bones are carved and filed and then added as adornment. The shape of the eyes and the mouth and chin all play a part in the ritual. Many are topped with hair or some other material that represents hair.

If one hopes to have the thrill of African tribal masks on display in their home, they have to understand its meaning. Only by learning all there is to know about the tribes can their artistry be truly appreciated. Knowing the reason why a certain item was made will add to the allure of the piece when asked about it by a guest in your home.




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