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 |
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.
Photographer Beautifully Captures the Spirit of Cameroon
Take a look at this captivating and beautiful documentation of travel photographer Ziya Atkurer's trip to Cameroon.
COLLECTION: 9 Incredible Festivals From Around the World
his unique interactive image is your gateway to exploring nine of the world's most vibrant and unique festivals.
This Majestic Wildlife Photography Has an Important Cause
Some of the biggest wildlife photogrpahers used their talent to raise money for Africa's nature reserves, by selling breathtaking prints.
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.
You Won't Believe How Much People Paid For These Paintings
There are some paintings in this world that cost so much money, it's enough to make your eyes water. Here are the most expensive paintings ever sold.
Andre Rieu Stirs Our Emotions With his Tribute to Sinatra!
Join Andre Rieu and his orchestra in their tribute to the unforgettable Frank Sinatra, as they perform "My Way".
Enjoy 60 Minutes of Cirque du Soleil Magic!
Want to see one of the best modern circus shows in the world?
Nostalgia: 12 Great Songs by The Mamas and The Papas
If you're a fan of The Mamas and The Papas, you're going to love this collection of their greatest song.
It is Amazing What This Artist Can Do With Two Strings
Listen to the beauty of a true Erhu master, creating exquisite music with just two strings...
This Nuance Light Dance is Unlike Any Dance You've Seen
You may have seen many forms of dance, but I'll bet you've never seen something like this...
I Can't Believe How Realistic These Woodland Paintings Are
Enjoy 20 of Ivan Shishkin's most beautiful paintings of woodland scenes. You won't believe that you're actually looking at a painting!
These Cute Paintings Celebrate the Playfulness of Mice
Check out American artist Stuart Dunkel’s delightful mouse paintings.
This Irish Jig is Just Too Much Fun to Watch!
Enjoy this Irish dance craze that will bring a smile to your face!
I Bet You've Never Seen This Kind of Art Before...
Utilizing the best way of recycling, this artist creates beautiful images.
David Hockney: From Oil Painting to Digital Art
Now in 2022, we look at David Hockney's art as it evolved with each decade, always challenging norms. We're analyzing six decades of his artistic career.
These 15 Showstopping Designs Truly Take the Cake...
These cake designs prove that there's more to cake making than just mixing up a few ingredients in a bowl, as these creations are true art!
Look Closer! These Nature Pictures Are Not What They Seem
The impeccable detail found in these masterpieces make this artist's paintings look more like photographs than works of art.
5 Hyper-Realistic Drawings That Just Seem IMPOSSIBLE
Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly lifelike drawings.
If You Think Celtic Music is Dead, You Should Hear This
Hayley Westenra's enchanting performance proves beyond doubt that Celtic music is far from being consigned to the annals of history. Listen to her now.
12 World-Famous Sculptures Everyone Should Recognize
In this article, we showcase 12 of the most famous and recognized sculptures in the world starting from the oldest to the most recent.
Quiet Night In? Let These Amazing Movies Rack Your Brains
Have you ever watched a movie that leaves you scratching your head right until the very last scene? That's what these 10 amazing movies do best. Enjoy!
How Is This Possible?! This Artist Draws Like a Printer
This artist earned the nickname “the printer man” for having a unique skill of drawing freehand in small increments, just like a printer
Richard Jones' Magical Performance Leaves Everyone in Awe
Richard Jones's magical performance on the talent show 'Britain's Got Talent' leaves the judges and the audience stunned! How does he do it?
INTERACTIVE: Enjoy 15 of the Frank Sinatra's Greatest Hits
Whether you're a long-time fan or discovering his genius for the first time, this journey through Sinatra's greatest hits is sure to stir the soul and swing the heart!
This Girl Only Needs a Simple Flute to Delight Your Ears
Listen to the dulcet tones of this young girl's flute.
Not Only a Beautiful Shadow Dance, But Also a Story...
An incredibly talented shadow troupe performing an enchanting dance that tells a story...
This Little Girl Makes Music That Speaks to All Ages
When she plays the harp, it's like fairy tales coming to life, infusing the world with magic...
Watch Carlos Kleiber's Stunning Interpretation of Beethoven
Carlos Kleiber was a legendary conductor who brought an extra level of pizzazz to his performances. Enjoy his interpretation of Beethoven in this video.
These Real Seashells Look Like Pieces of Sunken Treasure
This seashell art is unlike anything I've ever seen before... absolutely stunning!
These 3D Paintings Appear to Pop Out Of the Sidewalk!
This has to be the most unique street art you'll ever see. This Russian artist's incredible work appears to come alive out of sidewalks in major cities.
Have You Read the 5 of the Greatest Poems Ever Written?
Discover some of the greatest poems that the history of literature has ever seen, along with a detailed analysis to complement them.
This Food Art of Kids' Favorite Characters Is Remarkable!
One mom turns her child's meals into amazing food art. Here are 20 of her greatest dishes.
You'll Never Guess What This Dog Does For Its Owner!
This Japanese dog is certainly very patient and a very good model. Its human creates cardboard cutouts for it to model. View the hilarious results.
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.
The Most Emotional Performance of 'A Thousand Years'
Watch the Piano Guys completely stun the audience with their rendition of the timeless classic, 'A Thousand Years.'
Let Vivaldi's Music Breathe Renaissance Beauty Over You
Vivaldi is one of the biggest names in all of musical history, and now you can hear why with this collection of 24 of his finest compositions.
This Paper Art is Unlike Anything You've Ever Seen Before
See the impressive paper art by Haruki Nakurama.
Enjoy Musical Heaven By an Extremely Talented Cellist!
The multi-talented Kevin Olusola uses only his mouth and cello to produce a most amazing rendition to Sam Smith's "Stay with me".
What Detail! You Must See These Stunning Oil Paintings
Check out these stunning, detailed oil paintings by Osamu Obi.
Who Says That Cats Can't Be Trained? You'll Be Surprised!
Who says cats can't be trained? Watch this adorable performance!
Wow, These 3D Drawings are Out of This World!
Nikola Čuljić has the ability to make his drawings pop off a page. Check out his stunning work here!
Artist Merges Animals With Their Own Habitats - 15 Pics
Artist Sujay Sanan creates wonderful watercolor paintings of animals merged with their own surroundings.
A Gorgeous Cover of a Beautiful Classic...
Watch two incredible artists use voice and cello to bring this classic song to life.
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.
Is This 10-Year-Old Frank Sinatra Re-Incarnate?
This boy was born blind, but sings like a certain famous singer.