The tribes of the Sub-Saharan West Africa make much use of masks in their traditions, culture and various art forms, either for religious ceremonies or in celebration. Sometimes the two are one and the same.
Masks have great spiritual meaning in many African cultures, and creators of such masks are considered spiritual artists and are held in great esteem. Mask making is usually a secret passed from father to son, along with the symbolic meanings they convey as well as how to act when one is wearing them, since they all represent different entities, spirits and gods.
The African masks are intimately linked to influences in Europe and in Western art in general. Many artistic movements, such as fauvism, cubism and expressionism have been inspired by African art. You can its influence in other corners of the world as well, such as in the Central American masked carnivals and parades.
|
African carved wood mask with shells |
Ivory Coast, carved wood mask with horns |
Angola, ceremonial mask |
Punu tribe wooden mask |
Ghana, tribal mask |
Gabon, Punu tribe mask |
Ceremonial Senufo mask |
Liberian wood mask |
Ivory Coast, mask with beard |
Congo, Kwele tribal mask |
Nigeria, Ibo Spirit tribal mask |
Congo, Songye Kifwebe tribal mask |
Kenya, tribal mask |
Congo, wooden mask |
Zulu tribal mask |
Angola, ritual mask |
Which Musical Best Fits Your Personality? Find Out!
This quiz will help you select the musical which is best-suited for you, based on your unique personality. Give it a go, you won't regret it!
These Creative Snow Sculptures Will Blow Your Mind
Winter is the time to head to the backyard and create something unique with snow. Take some inspiration from these people.
A Short Lesson in New York's Architectural History
There's no city that can compare to New York's architecture. Let's dive into it.
The Reason Why No One Ever Smiles In Old Photographs
Discover the real cultural and technological reasons behind the serious faces in old portrait photographs.
Fluid Wildlife Murals Breathe New Life Into Dull Buildings
The Argentinan artist Fio Silva breathes new life into dull city buildings by decorating them with massive wildlife murals.
Why Tamara de Lempicka Was a Groundbreaking Art Icon
Get to know Tamara de Lempicka - a groundbreaking Art Deco painter and a symbol for women's liberation, who ruled the art scene in the 1920s.
10 Must-Read and Must-See Books and Films about Aging
In the world of movies and books, there hasn’t always been an incredible representation of the aging process. We have found some gems for you though!
How It's Made: Glass Christmas Ornaments
Enjoy a quick history of Christmas glass ornaments and a deep look into how they're made!
I Can Guarantee You've Never Seen a Ballet Like This One...
This world famous ballet dancer has taken it upon himself to create an almost perfect new ballet dance.
This Orchestral Masterpiece Will Bring Tears to Your Eyes
Watch Plácido Domingo's incredible version of 'Silent Night' that will bring tears to your eyes!
This A-Capella Version of Hallelujah Will Give You Chills
A beautiful remake of a wonderful classic.
I Bet That You've Never Seen Cars Quite Like These...
Each year thousands of people gather at the Burning Man festival to gasp at some of the craziest-looking cars. Take a look.
These Dancers Are Beyond Anything I've Ever Seen.
Stunning Ballet Acrobatic Performance you have to see to believe.
André Rieu Creates Another a Musical Extravaganza!
The audience got a hilarious surprise while watching André Rieu's performance, and I'm sure it will brighten your day!
Even With a Cello, These Guys Are Absolute Stars
If you only associate the cello with one type of music, you are underestimating this instrument's versatility!
I Bet You've Never Seen This Kind of Art Before...
Utilizing the best way of recycling, this artist creates beautiful images.
100 Years of Dance: a Visual of How Dance Culture Evolved
Decide which is your favorite 20th-century dance genre by watching these dancers reproduce the most popular styles of the past century
This Sublime Classical Performance Will Take You to Heaven
This beautiful video celebrates two wonderful musicians together, one on cello and the other on the violin. Here they play Czardas.
Here's One Magic Trick That's Totally Bizarre...
Watch in awe as the incredible magician Brian Bushwood performs an outstanding magic trick called 'Psychic Surgery'.
30 Hilarious One-Panel Comics the Whole Family Can Enjoy
These clean and lighthearted comics will give you the giggles of a lifetime!
Nobody Sings This Song Quite Like Frank Sinatra!
Listen to Frank Sinatra's charming performance of Cheek to Cheek and enjoy the presentation we made to go with it.
13 Terms in Art History You've Never Heard of
What are impasto, contrapposto, and (hold tight) - kalokagathia? You'll know by the end of this article.
The Story of the Woman Behind Botticelli's Venus Painting
This article answers the age-old question: Who is the woman in Botticelli's painting The Birth of Venus?
Will this Acrobat Blow Your Minds as Well?
Watch Kai Ho's dangerous and skilled acrobatic performance.
This Unique Cabaret Act Is Guaranteed to Amaze You!
You won't believe this stunning, gravity defying act.
This Greek Ballet will Have You Dancing & Shouting 'Opa!'
Zorba the Greek is one of my favorite tunes, it really gets me in the dancing mood the way it builds up that riveting Greek tempo. And what ballet it inspires!
These Surreal Paintings Will Bring You To Another World
Vladimir Kush's mind-bending, yet incredibly beautiful paintings, will leave you completely astounded. Take a look at them in this post.
What Detail! You Must See These Stunning Oil Paintings
Check out these stunning, detailed oil paintings by Osamu Obi.
These Paintings of Tigers are Gorgeous and Majestic
Tiger paintings have been a prominent subject in art history, spanning centuries and cultures. Here are some of history's best tiger art.
The Most Gorgeous Painting of Our Beautiful World...
Richard MacNeil is an artist that captures the beauty of life in his oil paintings.
This Human Tower Is An Incredible Acrobatic Performance
An astounding acrobatic performance I can't stop watching.
16 Brilliant Embroidery Works You Need to See Now!
Embroidery, an ancient art form, has found new life in the digital age through the power of social media. Here are some stunning examples.
This 'Frozen' Shadow Dance Is Out of This World
Shadow Theatre VERBA presents their performance called 'Frozen', which has already enchanted millions of people from around the world.
This Emotional Duet Gave Me Goosebumps of Pleasure
These two world-famous artists are amazingly talented singing alone, let alone when they join to give an emotional duet like this.
It's a Pleasure Watching This Couple Dance This Old Dance
Even if you're not a fan of swing music, you cannot help but admire this talented couple.
10 of the Most Famous Dog Paintings Throughout History
Dogs have been a part of art history through the ages. Let’s explore some of the most famous dog paintings ever made.
These Vases Are Made of Real Flowers!
We’ve all seen too many vases filled with flowers to count, but have you ever met a vase that doubles as a bouquet?
This Watercolor Animal Art Is Expressive and Whimsical
Artist Luqman Reza creates expressive animal paintings using watercolor paint. His artwork is truly stunning.
Watch This Master of Hoops in Smooth Action!
Valeri Tkach is a world-class juggler who is going to show you some tricks you've never seen before...
This Girl Only Needs a Simple Flute to Delight Your Ears
Listen to the dulcet tones of this young girl's flute.
This Scottish-Themed Dance on Ice Will Blow You Away!
If you are a fan of dancing on ice, then we have got one heck of a treat in store for you!
Amazing! Who Knew Spilled Coffee Could Create Great Art?
Amazing! This Italian artist uses spilled coffee to create stunning pieces of art. Check out some of her work here!
This Rope Jumping Act Takes it to an Entirely New Level
Watch as these Chinese acrobats somersault over skipping ropes in mid-air. This is not for the faint of heart!
This Artist Recreated His Childhood Town & It's Impressive
Eddie Putera, creates stunning miniature dioramas to recapture his childhood. Take a look.
9 Famous Paintings That Have Hidden Secrets Lurking Within
Even though you have seen them before, you will have never noticed these stunning and shocking secrets lurking in these 9 masterpieces of art.
This 'Flying Dragons' Performance Will Kock Your Socks Off
The most incredibly skilled Chinese acrobat group, the flying dragons, put on a great show!
I Bet You've Never Seen a Dance Like This Before...
Using unique technology and superb dance moves, pole dancer and mother Kristy Sellars will amaze you as she did everyone on Australia's Got Talent