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.
These adornments were used by tribes to inspire awe and fear in the hearts of enemies. They took on a very important role as a means of intimidation. The mask of a warrior in Africa always had a terrible look and this allowed for many victories in the battles of ancient days. Even the Europeans who ventured into the continent in the first days of exploration were intimidated by them..
Mask wearing remained prominent in the lives of tribe members and was even featured in burial ceremonies. In fact archaeologists are never surprised by the site of a masked body when they investigate ancient burial sites for this specific reason.
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 the raw material used is wood. Wood is treated and carved to create the images required for the finished look. Sometimes varnish is used to create a glossy finish. Most mask makers prefer to work with softer wood types as this allows for easier manipulation. Wood masks are prominently featured as tourist souvenirs at many sites around the continent. Tourists who travel tot he great continent can literally take a piece of Africa back home with them.
The African mask has maintained its relevance throughout history. Many communities in the continent still practice their rituals and ceremonies and as such they still use it. Additionally, many persons of African decent living around the world have held on to their culture despite displacement. They often seek out this mask. Performing arts groups and educators around the world also use them.
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.
A mask of this type can be made as a do it yourself project. Softened paper, glue and paint can be used by those who have little time and resources to make lighter versions. This mask creation process is great for persons who are either educators or performing arts groups who are operating on a limited budget.
These adornments were used by tribes to inspire awe and fear in the hearts of enemies. They took on a very important role as a means of intimidation. The mask of a warrior in Africa always had a terrible look and this allowed for many victories in the battles of ancient days. Even the Europeans who ventured into the continent in the first days of exploration were intimidated by them..
Mask wearing remained prominent in the lives of tribe members and was even featured in burial ceremonies. In fact archaeologists are never surprised by the site of a masked body when they investigate ancient burial sites for this specific reason.
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 the raw material used is wood. Wood is treated and carved to create the images required for the finished look. Sometimes varnish is used to create a glossy finish. Most mask makers prefer to work with softer wood types as this allows for easier manipulation. Wood masks are prominently featured as tourist souvenirs at many sites around the continent. Tourists who travel tot he great continent can literally take a piece of Africa back home with them.
The African mask has maintained its relevance throughout history. Many communities in the continent still practice their rituals and ceremonies and as such they still use it. Additionally, many persons of African decent living around the world have held on to their culture despite displacement. They often seek out this mask. Performing arts groups and educators around the world also use them.
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.
A mask of this type can be made as a do it yourself project. Softened paper, glue and paint can be used by those who have little time and resources to make lighter versions. This mask creation process is great for persons who are either educators or performing arts groups who are operating on a limited budget.
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