African Mask Collection

1. 9/26/2019 African Mask Collection from Sadigh Gallery
www.sadighgallery.com/AfricanMasks 1/3
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Posted by Administrator on 1/7/2013 to Ancient Artifacts and Culture
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African Mask Collection
Masks are one of the most recognizable pieces of antiquity from Sub-
Saharan Africa. They vary stylistically according to different tribes and
culture. The subject matter associated with most African masks is
spiritual and ritualistic in nature. However, before delving into their
subject matter, one must first appreciate the aesthetic qualities that these
masks possess, the aesthetics that unquestionably influenced many 20th
Century European artistic movements such as Cubism, Expressionism
and Fauvism.
Materials used in the creation of African masks vary. A large portion of
African masks are carved from wood, other common materials used
include bronze, steatite and leather. African masks are usually endowed
with various forms of aesthetics such as geometric incisions, sea shells,
feathers, colorful twines and much more. Stylistically, African masks are
an abstracted and sometimes grotesque form of the human face. Some
tribes, such as the Senufo (Ivory Coast), incorporate animal features into
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2. 9/26/2019 African Mask Collection from Sadigh Gallery
www.sadighgallery.com/AfricanMasks 2/3
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their mask design. What’s interesting about this incorporation is that
they tend to juxtapose different traits from different animals into one
composition. For instance, a mask may have crocodile teeth, zebra
stripes and bird features (such as feathers and a beak). Mixing animal
traits add more abstraction to an already abstracted piece.
As stated earlier, African Masks have spiritual and religious elements to
them. They are usually worn on special occasions including weddings,
initiation rites, and funeral. However, some masks are designed and
worn strictly for entertainment purposes similar to European
contemporary theater productions (Avant-Garde). The wearer of African
mask is said to serve as a medium of communication between the people
and their ancestors. Some masks are also designed to give the wearer the
persona of a god in order to help cleanse their community of evil spirits.
Mask wearers in some of the occasions mentioned earlier are usually
seen dancing ecstatically. This can be interpreted as their god and
ancestor coming to life inside of them.
Animals are a common element in African Masks. Africans have a
strong bond with nature. Incorporating animal forms with the mask
design is an attempt to communicate with the spirits of nature as well as
that of the animal. Also, animals in certain African tribes represent
specific virtues, such as the Buffalo representing strength and ruminant
mammals (such as Deer) representing bountiful harvest.
Mask design is the hallmark of African art and an essential feature of
African culture. Sadigh Gallery has an excellent collection of African
masks from over 20 different tribes. Visit our website today to view our
collection. Stay tuned for more on African Traditional Masks!!