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.
In the tribes masks were worn during life as well as in death. At ceremonies designed for worship or celebration masks are worn by participants. Each mask typically serves as a symbol. Sometimes it symbolizes a deity and at other times an ancestral spirit.It is not unusual for archaeologists to find a masked face in a grave.
Very often, clay is used to make the face coverings. This is nothing new of course, as it was clay that was used for the older generation's masks. Mask makers form the desired shapes and patterns in dough like clay. Afterwards they either place the mask in the sun to or allow it to harden in an oven designed specifically for this purpose.
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.
People who work in entertainment, education or culture related fields often need these masks. They use them to recreate the look of tribe members of the older African civilizations. Dance pieces that reflect the traditions associated with the area also feature these face coverings as props. Owing to the fact that many people are becoming more culturally aware, especially persons of African decent, the African mask has grown in popularity. For some persons they make excellent home and office accents.
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.
In the tribes masks were worn during life as well as in death. At ceremonies designed for worship or celebration masks are worn by participants. Each mask typically serves as a symbol. Sometimes it symbolizes a deity and at other times an ancestral spirit.It is not unusual for archaeologists to find a masked face in a grave.
Very often, clay is used to make the face coverings. This is nothing new of course, as it was clay that was used for the older generation's masks. Mask makers form the desired shapes and patterns in dough like clay. Afterwards they either place the mask in the sun to or allow it to harden in an oven designed specifically for this purpose.
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.
People who work in entertainment, education or culture related fields often need these masks. They use them to recreate the look of tribe members of the older African civilizations. Dance pieces that reflect the traditions associated with the area also feature these face coverings as props. Owing to the fact that many people are becoming more culturally aware, especially persons of African decent, the African mask has grown in popularity. For some persons they make excellent home and office accents.
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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