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As African masks are largely appropriated by Europeans, they are widely commercialized and sold in most tourist-oriented markets and shops in Africa (as well as "ethnic" shops in the Western world). As a consequence, the traditional art of mask-making has gradually ceased to be a privileged, status-related practice, and mass production of masks ...
The performances are given by men, wearing masks that feature sculpted images of scenes including animals and people or sewing machines and drums. The pair of men masquerade as women to amuse, please and placate the mothers who are considered very powerful, and who may use their powers for good or destructive purposes.
The Sirige mask is a tall mask that is used in funerals for only the men who were alive during the holding of the Sigui ceremony. [ 1 ] Awa (in Dogon ), [ 2 ] also known as the Awa Society , [ 3 ] [ 2 ] the Society of Masks , [ 4 ] [ 5 ] is an African mask and initiatory society of the Dogon people of Mali which is made up of circumcised men ...
African Art Museum of the SMA Fathers at Tenafly, New Jersey: The Legend of Chi Wara. www.masksoftheworld.com: Chi Wara mask images. Library of the University of Virginia: Africa Masks exhibit. Includes images and description of one male and one female mask. Humboldt State University: gallery of Chi Wara and other Bambara dancers.
The general uninitiated public tends to see there various animal subjects : the kommolo tebu (a bird), [2] the lizard, the iguana, the barâmkamza dullogu (a water insect), the hand of God or the female spirit of the trees (gyinu ya). [3] The mask is represented both in male and female form. The male version is the most numerous. [4]
They are put in museums for display and educational purposes. People can see them in the museum and learn about the history of the mask, as it depicts the culture and life of the tribe. These masks play a significant role in the culture and spiritual world of the Bambara people. The masks are visually expressive and have high attention to detail.
Masks represent protective spirits that can take animal forms or can appear as strange beings. These spirits watch over a family, clan or community, and, if the rules for their propitiation are followed correctly, provide for the fertility, health, and prosperity of the owners. Thus the masks provide for the continuity of life in the gurunsi world.
In 1996, a group of Burkinabé students founded ASAMA, the Association for the Protection of Masks, in order to promote and preserve traditional mask practices. [3] [7] One of the concerns is that traditional masks are no longer a regular part of life for many. The masks' origins are religious in nature, historically being associated with ...