african mask collection at sadigh gallery

AFRICAN TRIBAL MASKS

http://www.sadighgallery.com/

Page 2: African Mask Collection at Sadigh Gallery

ABOUT AFRICAN TRIBAL MASKS

Masks are one of the most recognizable pieces of antiquity from Sub-Saharan Africa. They vary stylistically according to different tribes and culture. The subject matter associated with most African masks is spiritual and ritualistic in nature. However, before delving into their subject matter, one must first appreciate the aesthetic qualities that these masks possess, the aesthetics that unquestionably influenced many 20th Century European artistic movements such as Cubism, Expressionism and Fauvism.

Page 3: African Mask Collection at Sadigh Gallery

Materials used in the creation of African masks vary:

• Wood (common)• Bronze• Steatite • Leather

Styles of African masks: • Abstracted and sometimes grotesque form of the human

face.• Some tribes incorporate animal features into their mask

design ( i.e. the Senufo tribe). A mask may depict characteristic features from multiple animals.

(ex: crocodile teeth, zebra stripes and bird features)

Page 4: African Mask Collection at Sadigh Gallery

Purposes of Masks:

• Spiritual and Religious Elements-Worn on special occasions (weddings, initiation rites, and funeral).

-The wearer of African mask is said to serve as a medium of communication between the people and their ancestors.

-Some masks are also designed to give the wearer the persona of a god in order to help cleanse their community of evil spirits.

-Used in ecstatic dances (interpreted as their god and ancestor coming to life inside of them.)

- Incorporating animal forms with the mask design is an attempt to communicate with the spirits of nature and the animals. Some animal masks also represent specific virtues (i.e. Buffalo = strength, Ruminant mammals (such as Deer) = bountiful harvest)

• Entertainment Purposes Similar to European contemporary theater productions (Avant-Garde).

Page 5: African Mask Collection at Sadigh Gallery

Mask design is the hallmark of African art and an essential feature of African culture.

Sadigh Gallery has an excellent collection of African masks from over 20 different tribes.Click on the next slide to view some examples of our collections!