Facial disguises or adornments have a rich history of use in various cultures. Like any other culture, that of Africa has its unique facial disguises. African Masks, like similar devices of other cultures, serve many ceremonial and decorative purposes.
One of the functions of this type of mask was to intimidate others. Warriors from different tribes soften wore it into battle. This indicates the intricate knowledge of the psychology of war that they possessed. Even the Europeans who encountered the continent in the early days of exploration spoke of how terrifying the face coverings were.
African tribal culture features the wearing of masks from birth to death. Religious ceremonies of older tribes and modern ones as well, feature these items. Often, the mask is used to represent a strong area of the faith. Sometimes it is an ancestral spirit that is represented by the mask.Many older burial sites feature corpses with masks on the faces.
Much of the time clay is used to make the masks. Clay is a great option as it is easily manipulated to create the shape required for the mask. After the shape and patterns are formed, the mask is typically placed in a specially designed oven or placed in the sun to dry or harden.
Sometimes wood is used in the mask making process. Many of these face coverings are carved from certain types of wood. The wood is carved into the desired shape, cured and decorated by mask makers. Softer wood is more suitable for the amount of carving required and so this is the preferred material for mask makers. Wooden masks are often created in actual and miniature sizes as souvenirs for tourists. Popularly visited sites in the continent are known to have them on sale so their guests can take a memorabilia of the great continent home with them.
Today, the masks are used by individuals in all spheres of life. Dance groups that perform certain Afrocentric pieces may need them as props. Groups that dramatize works from the continent may also use them as props. There are also many African people who are rediscovering and reclaiming their culture. These individuals often desire to acquire pieces such as the mask that will reflect their heritage. Any also collect them as art pieces that they sue to decorate or accentuate walls int heir offices and homes.
An individual in search of an African mask may find what they are looking for online. There are stores, both virtual and physical, that offer Afrocentric items such as masks from which the items may be purchased. This availability is as a result of the commercial entities that have recognized the need for this product to be made available to consumers.
Sometimes the persons who need these masks are unable to access them through commercial means. These people may consider the option of making the mask themselves. Crushed and softened paper, glue and paint can be used to create the shape, design and colors needed. This is a great alternative to the others as it is easier to manipulate and often less expensive.
One of the functions of this type of mask was to intimidate others. Warriors from different tribes soften wore it into battle. This indicates the intricate knowledge of the psychology of war that they possessed. Even the Europeans who encountered the continent in the early days of exploration spoke of how terrifying the face coverings were.
African tribal culture features the wearing of masks from birth to death. Religious ceremonies of older tribes and modern ones as well, feature these items. Often, the mask is used to represent a strong area of the faith. Sometimes it is an ancestral spirit that is represented by the mask.Many older burial sites feature corpses with masks on the faces.
Much of the time clay is used to make the masks. Clay is a great option as it is easily manipulated to create the shape required for the mask. After the shape and patterns are formed, the mask is typically placed in a specially designed oven or placed in the sun to dry or harden.
Sometimes wood is used in the mask making process. Many of these face coverings are carved from certain types of wood. The wood is carved into the desired shape, cured and decorated by mask makers. Softer wood is more suitable for the amount of carving required and so this is the preferred material for mask makers. Wooden masks are often created in actual and miniature sizes as souvenirs for tourists. Popularly visited sites in the continent are known to have them on sale so their guests can take a memorabilia of the great continent home with them.
Today, the masks are used by individuals in all spheres of life. Dance groups that perform certain Afrocentric pieces may need them as props. Groups that dramatize works from the continent may also use them as props. There are also many African people who are rediscovering and reclaiming their culture. These individuals often desire to acquire pieces such as the mask that will reflect their heritage. Any also collect them as art pieces that they sue to decorate or accentuate walls int heir offices and homes.
An individual in search of an African mask may find what they are looking for online. There are stores, both virtual and physical, that offer Afrocentric items such as masks from which the items may be purchased. This availability is as a result of the commercial entities that have recognized the need for this product to be made available to consumers.
Sometimes the persons who need these masks are unable to access them through commercial means. These people may consider the option of making the mask themselves. Crushed and softened paper, glue and paint can be used to create the shape, design and colors needed. This is a great alternative to the others as it is easier to manipulate and often less expensive.
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