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 |
"Presence in Hormuz": an Architectural Pearl
Presence in Hormuz: a beautiful architectural wonder in the Persian Gulf.
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.
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!
This Photographer Creates Uniquely Magical Illusions
Sometimes perspective is everything in photography and can completely change the way you look at something. Check out these photos.
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 Artist Uses Fruit and Veggies to Create Stunning Art
Witness the wonderful sculptures of Takehiro Kishimoto, who sculpts in fruit and vegetables.
Some of the Best Painters Show Their Most Famous Paintings
A beautiful collection of our most beautiful painting posts, each by a talented painter from recent centuries. This is a huge collection of classic paintings.
This Old Man Kept His Amazing Voice Secret Until He Was 60
When one unemployed 60-year-old Dutch baker's daughter secretly signed up her father to appear on Holland's Got Talent, no one could guess he would win...
The Shocking Hidden Secrets of 7 World Famous Paintings
Even paintings that have been seen for hundreds of years can reveal long lost secrets. These 7 mysteries have finally been cracked.
I've Never Seen a Choir Do THIS...
I don't think anyone has ever attempted what this choir is doing with ease!
This Creative Shadow Dance Will Take Your Breath Away!
Witness the incredible shadow dance group, El Gamma Penumbra, perform their interpretation of the Danish heartthrob Christopher's 'Heartbeat'.
What Do You Get When You Combine Magic and Tango?
A fantastic performance that will both wow and delight you.
Mexican Music Meets Classical in a Gorgeous Ballet
Igor Moiseev's ballet group mixes Mexican and classical styles to create a gorgeous performance.
This A-Capella Version of Hallelujah Will Give You Chills
A beautiful remake of a wonderful classic.
This Artist's Level of Realism Is Out of This World!
Thanks to the power of digital art, this incredible artist creates this stunningly realistic portraits. Check out some of his finest works here.
This Art Is Beautiful Beyond Belief! Take a Look...
This art is unlike anything you've ever seen. Take a look at this magnificent butterfly art!
MUSIC: Swoon Over These 20 Simon & Garfunkel Ballads
These luscious ballads from America's finest folk duo, Simon & Garfunkel, will leave you utterly spellbound.
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.
This 91-Year-Old's Beautiful Portraits Touch Our Souls
Why feel bitter about aging when you could just enjoy life? This is the lesson of some wonderful artwork from a mother and son team from Canada.
This Famous Magician is About to Play With Fire...
In this spectacular episode of Penn & Teller, Penn plays with fire.
Watch Andre Rieu Masterfully Perform 'The Last Rose'
Watch Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra masterfully perform their version of 'The Last Rose' while they were touring the Netherlands.
How Does This Artist Transform Ordinary Stones to Art?
See how Japanese artist Hirotoshi Itoh transforms ordinary stones into works of art.
A Sublime Musical Courtship that is Both Funny and Beautiful
A delightful rendition of Salsa De La Luna as a romantic interaction between two violins.
MUSIC BOX: Click to Listen to 12 of ABBA's Best Songs!
We've compiled a list of 12 of ABBA's greatest hits for your listening pleasure.
20 Books You Should Read & Reread in Your Lifetime...
Here are the 20 novels you should not only read once, but again and again!
WATCH: Brightman & Bocelli's Musical Masterpiece
Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli possess two of the most famous voices in the entire world, so you can imagine what happens when they join forces. Watch.
The Colorful Paper Birds of Zack Mclaughlin
This artist imitates nature almost perfectly with nothing but a little wood and paper.
These Dancers Are Beyond Anything I've Ever Seen.
Stunning Ballet Acrobatic Performance you have to see to believe.
16 Unforgettable Tracks By Nat King Cole
Celebrate the beautiful music of one of the most influential jazz pianists and vocalists in history - Nat King Cole.
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!
This Unique Art Works Mimic Life in a Beautiful Way
These insects may look real, but they are made entirely out of bamboo.
Check Out These Surreal Artists and Their Amazing Artworks
In this post we have brought you a collection of 8 surreal artists, each with their own artistic style and unique imagination
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!
This Acrobatic Display Will Leave You In Total Disbelief
Whatever the Chinese set their minds to, they seem to be able to achieve better than anyone else. Take a look at this truly stunning acrobatic display.
Bette Midler’s Beautiful Song in a Stunning Presentation...
This song talks about the power of love in healing, empowering and reviving if you only believe that it still exists.
This Dance Group Tells an Emotional Story Through Shadows
Watch this shadow dance group put on an emotional performance.
Have You Ever Seen Love Depicted So Beautifully?
These exceptional artists were inspired by love and conveyed their message perfectly. Take a look:
If You Like Illusions - Prepare to Be Amazed!
Amazing Dutch illusionist Hans Klok will perform 10 illusions in 5 minutes!
I've Never Seen Anything Like These Cakes. I'm Dumbfounded.
These cake submissions from an online competition are more amazing than I would have ever imagined.
This Chinese Wushu Mass Performance is Absolutely Awesome
It's Spring festival 2019, and in China they are doing an incredible Wushu Shaolin performance.
What May Seem Like Ordinary Paper Is Much More to This Man
Take a look at Ken's breathtaking work which features jellyfish, nautilus and flowers:
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".
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.
Justin and Jeremy - The Dynamic Twin Duo!
These twins just love their music and dancing - and so will you!
A Deep Dive into Trevi Fountain’s 2,000-Year History
Apart from its elegance and grandeur, the Trevi Fountain has a history that spans millennia...
Have You Ever Seen Hand-Cut Paper Look So Beautiful?
These hand-cut paper artworks are simply stunning, because of their extraordinary level of detail. They have inspired me to give it a go myself!