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 |
How Can These Animal Drawings Look So Incredibly REAL?
Marvel at these ridiculously-good hyperrealistic animal drawings by the talented artist Helen Violet.
This Artist Uses Fruit and Veggies to Create Stunning Art
Witness the wonderful sculptures of Takehiro Kishimoto, who sculpts in fruit and vegetables.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Collection: The Most Remarkable Cakes in the World
12 posts filled with gorgeous photos of the most remarkable cakes.
Watch This Pianist Explain Musical History, Musically!
If you want to know more about the development of classical music through the centuries, this brief video is just the ticket.
Discover the Art of Paul Signac, the Father of Pointillism
Let’s examine the life and career of an underrated Post-Impressionist artist Paul Signac and his stunning, vibrant paintings.
Classic Performance: The `Smoking Magician`!
Tom Mullica is one of the most celebrated magicians and comedians in the world, and is known for his amazing cigarette tricks. Also, his great sense of humor and showmanship make for a very entertaining show!
These People Took Their Hobby to the Next Level
These people are living examples of the mastery of a hobby.
A Dusty Car Window Is a Canvas For Some People
When some artists spot a dirty car window they take it as an opportunity...
14 Fantastic Magic Tricks and Illusions You Really Must See
Magic tricks are always fun to watch! So, in this post, we bring you 14 of the best magic tricks and illusions that have been featured on Baba-Mail.
The Song 'Hallelujah' Was Crying Out to Be Sung by Il Divo
Here's a rare rendition that you won't forget in a hurry...
These Oil Paintings Beautifully Capture Colonial America
Contemporary American artist Meadow Gist magnificently re-imagines Colonial America in her beautiful oil painting, sweeping you away to a bygone time.
Is This Pavarotti's Most Iconic Performance?
What an amazing voice Pavarotti had! I will never tire of listening to him.
Looking Into the Road Not Taken, By Robert Frost
Delving deeper into the celebrated poem the road not taken by robert frost.
Timeless Quotes That Show the Staggering Power of Love
Learn more about the world's most popular play ever written, with these ten quotations and matching contextual explanations.
André Rieu Welcomes Spring With Angelic Music!
A gorgeous musical performance by renowned Dutch musician Andre rieu.
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
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.
A Classical Rendition of Bohemian Symphony? Yes Please!
A Classic Rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody by a classical orchestra.
This Magician Sure Fooled Me! How Did He Do It?
Does this magician have what it takes to fool Penn and Teller? Watch His Fascinating Trick Here.
Il Divo's Astound All With Their Elvis Presley Tribute
Male vocal group Il Divo give Elvis the respect his songs deserve.
MUSIC: Swoon Over These 20 Simon & Garfunkel Ballads
These luscious ballads from America's finest folk duo, Simon & Garfunkel, will leave you utterly spellbound.
What This Man Does With Bubbles Will Astound You
I've never seen anyone blow bubbles like that. This performer is a bubble magician!
If You Love Classical Music, You MUST Hear This Pianist
When it comes to musical talent, it doesn't get better than Yuja Wang. Enjoy this lovely performance by the famed classical pianist.
The Detail in This Artist’s Sculptures Left Me Speechless
You can't ignore the magnificent works of Yuanxing Liang, the impressive Chinese artist who manages to convey emotions with his clay sculptures ...
Paintings Have Never Looked More Real Than This Artist's
Can you believe these art pieces by Jason de Graaf aren't photos?
Think That Cats Can't Be Trained? Think Again!
Thought one can't train cats? Think again! This talented French trainer can get his gorgeous Angora cats to pull off amazing acts that would put most dogs to shame!
This Magician's Illusions Will Leave You Stumped
In this video, Ivan Netcheporenko entertains his audience with some brilliant illusions.
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.
The Magic Begins When These Wooden Sculptures Start Moving
Kinetic sculptures are moving art pieces that marry physics and art into a mind-boggling combination no one should miss out!
Arsen Kurbanov Captures the Human Condition Like No Other
These wonderful paintings are by Russian artist Arsen Kubanov. He seeks to combine old painting techniques with his own personal style to create his art.
Dancing on One Leg, This Boy is Incredible!
Watch as this boy performs his one-legged dance routine.
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".
How Did He Do It? This Magician Leaves the Judges Baffled
Adam Wilber is bringing the fun back to magic, in this creative performance on Penn & Teller's: Fool Us.
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!
Music Box: 20 Unforgettable Hits by Donnie Osmond!
To celebrate Donny Osmond's birthday on December 9th, we have curated a collection of twenty nostalgic songs performed by him and some special friends.
12 Movie Dances That Captured Our Imagination!
Johnny and Baby from Dirty dancing, Danny and Sandy from Grease and many more are waiting to show you their unforgettable and memorable dance moves!
A Magical Moment of Pure Music For You to Enjoy...
This beautiful piece by Brahms gets even more magical in the hands of famous pianist Emanuel Ax.
The Lost Seventh Wonder of the World, the Hanging Gardens
We have ample evidence for all of the ancient seven wonders of the world, except for one: the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Did it exist?
Smile as These 2 Prove You're Never Too Old to Dance!
If you think you're too old to dance, then you'd better think again!
How Does He Do It? This Magician Is Beyond Incredible!
28-year-old Ben Hart magic tricks will turn even the most stern-faced skeptic into a believer. Tell us if you can figure out how he does these things, because we certainly can’t!
A Beatles Salute You'll Never Forget...
If you like the Beatles, you're going to LOVE this video.
It's Amazing What 4 Cellos Can Achieve Together!
Enjoy an incredible mix of classical music and modern tempo when 4 cellists start playing together!
15 Incredible Paintings That Every Art Lover Must Know...
Here are some of the greatest paintings in art history. What do they mean to you?