All African Art or African Masks found on AfricanMaskShop.com are “Made in Africa”, benefiting the local artists who hand carved them. We import and sell hundreds of African Tribal Masks every month providing a boost to the local African economies. Each African Art Mask is hand carved to perfection backed by our 30-day warranty. Our selection is continuously changing and sells out quickly. Visit our One of A Kind Masks category for exciting eye-catching African Tribal Mask masterpieces. Sign up for our African Mask coupons that announces when a new African Mask becomes available & any discount coupons available.
In Africa, Tribal Masks are regarded as sculptures. This makes traditional African art well known in Western countries. Masks are made to express religious, social and moral issues of the tribe. The Masks are like a personification of a spirit intervening in the life of a village.
In elaborate ceremonies, the spirit represented by the mask is called by the “dancer” to remind the community about rules and responsibilities.
The purpose of the masks and their rituals is to defend against sickness and bad luck, solve problems, give advise, find and punish wrong doings in the tribe, and also show the appreciation for any good fortune like the birth of a child or good harvest.
In African beliefs, the masks have a magical energy released to all who dance in the mask and for the spectators as well. They contain spiritual energy, power and wisdom that can bring benefits to one’s health and well-being.
Craftsmanship is open to everybody in a traditional African tribal society. Fathers or maternal uncles teach the art of woodcarver to their families for generations.
Most African masks are made of soft wood. This does not require the use of modern carving tools. Craftsman try to use the green soft wood instead of the seasoned tough wood. Sculptures sometimes split during the drying process. The masks are smeared with sesame or palm oil to avoid this problem.
African Masks are just a small part of a spectacular performance or event. A dancer or masquerader wearing or carrying a mask is usually dressed in a colorful and dramatic costume. The whole body is covered in an elaborate costume made of leaves, raffia or clothes decorated with shells, beads and amulets.
Tribal Africans are very close to nature. Their myths and beliefs have created a powerful relationship with the animal world. Most animals are associated with spirits. Spirits can speak, see and hear and often appear in African art disguised as animals.
African animal masks as well as human masks take part in the majority of religious and festival ceremonies and are the core of many African tales.
We are here to help you with any questions you have. Our web store is 100% secure and encrypted with the latest technology. We believe in our products so much that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on everything we sell. If you would like to place an order by phone call us at 610-970-8083. If you have questions call or email us at service@africanmaskshop.com. Thank you.
