Masks from Africa can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. In Africa, masks were, and is still made of various materials, included are leather, metal and various types of wood African mask are considered amongst the finest creations in the art world and are highly sought after by art collectors. Many of these pieces some replica's, can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts of the world. The African mask has great cultural and traditional significance. Latest developments and understanding of Aesthetic principles, religious and ceremonial values, have brought about a greater insight into the ideas and moral values that African artists express in their work. During celebrations, initiations, war preparation, peace and trouble times, masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. The mask often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the person wearing the mask gets possessed by the spirit of his ancestors The dancer (wearer of the mask) go into deep trance, and during this state of mind he "communicate" with his ancestors. A wise man or translator normally accompany him during the ritual. The dancer brings forth messages of wisdom from his ancestors. Often the messages are grunted utterances and the translator will accurately decipher the message. Rituals are always accompanied with song, dance and music, played with traditional African musical instruments. For thousands of years, rituals and masking ceremonies were and integral part of African life. The gradual, effects of parceled out African territories to Colonial governments, and the ensuing damage to traditional economies. Followed by, the displacement of huge quantities of people, by colonialism, resulted in economies and food production systems being wrecked. Africans have lost some of its tribal identity and culture, masking ceremonies are no longer common place in
Africa. |