Posted 8 years ago
alliececile
(85 items)
I am attracted to African lately. Not usually my thing but I am loving their carvings. I have no idea where in Africa these masks were made but I thought they really have creepy character. Halloween is coming! I found three in total at my local thrift store. Will post the other man later.
The three masks you have posted fit more into the decorator category, than actual African masks. As such, they may have been made in a country other than the one where the original mask that they resemble, originated. The animal mask is patterned after a traditional style mask from the Bambara tribe of Ivory Coast, for example. It may, or may not, have been made in Ivory Coast.
Authentic African masks will each have a distinctive "look" and function, and be designed for a specific purpose and have cultural/religious traditions behind them. While the carver may have a tiny bit of "artistic" license, he is not creating his own design. Someone should be able to look at the mask and be able to identify it as to name (each has its own cultural identity), specific dance or rite, and tribe.
Some masks on the market follow those rules, and while they weren't made for actual use, at least represent actual masks. Then there is another category of masks, made for the souvenir or decorator trade. They may look like what the buyer thinks is an "African mask" but would not be recognized as such by any tribal member. They fall more into the art category, where the carver is the creator and designer.
All three areas have their place, but will not appeal to the same collectors. If you are interested in masks with a real cultural background, probably the best place to start is with a good reference book, such as "Masks of Black Africa" by Ladislas Segy. "Researching" on the internet (unless you limit it to reputable museum collections) is likely to be confusing, full of mistakes, and frustrating.
Thanks Canyon Road. I really don't know anything about African masks so I thank you for your information. My Son will hang them up for interest.