When old customs meet ways of the modern world, we find that many Africans have learned of Christianity. Despite this, the African tribal masks and what they are used for, continue to play a role in the lives of these peoples. Ceremonies continue to be played out and the two realms are separate but necessary parts of their culture and existence.
People who have worked to learn of the meanings of these rituals are surprised to find so many similarities among those that live a long distance from each other. Worn as part of an entire costume with the body being dressed in full costume, the face coverings are not good for lasting long periods of time. Still, other tribes will destroy the piece once its usefulness has been played out and a new one is made as called for.
Many have been amazed at the similar customs that prevail in all the tribes when they have had no contact with each other. Making use of facial covering for their many rituals plays a vital part in their customs. Typically it is the healer, or shaman, that wears the face covering. It is he that works to provide a means of contacting the spirits that have passed on. They are contacted for guidance of both present and future events.
Even in today's copies, these facial coverings will emit the power of magic. Not necessarily because a person believes in their power, but rather the belief held in them by ancient and modern tribe rituals. Despite the pagan view held by so many, it is by masking that the shaman can reveal his magic.
The reason there are so many different types of face coverings in the world, is due to the fact that there is a different mask for every ritual. Some will call upon the spirit world and conjure up the wise men that have passed away for guidance. Others are ways that the tribes use to make contact with their many gods.
Only certain tribal members are given the chore of creating these face coverings. They are the expert carvers that have been taught by those before them. They are considered to be masters and hold a high place among the others of the tribe. Every marking and color used has a definite role to play.
The mask itself can be created from stone, wood, ivory, and metal. Occasionally even animal bones are carved and filed and then added as adornment. The shape of the eyes and the mouth and chin all play a part in the ritual. Many are topped with hair or some other material that represents hair.
If one hopes to have the thrill of African tribal masks on display in their home, they have to understand its meaning. Only by learning all there is to know about the tribes can their artistry be truly appreciated. Knowing the reason why a certain item was made will add to the allure of the piece when asked about it by a guest in your home.
People who have worked to learn of the meanings of these rituals are surprised to find so many similarities among those that live a long distance from each other. Worn as part of an entire costume with the body being dressed in full costume, the face coverings are not good for lasting long periods of time. Still, other tribes will destroy the piece once its usefulness has been played out and a new one is made as called for.
Many have been amazed at the similar customs that prevail in all the tribes when they have had no contact with each other. Making use of facial covering for their many rituals plays a vital part in their customs. Typically it is the healer, or shaman, that wears the face covering. It is he that works to provide a means of contacting the spirits that have passed on. They are contacted for guidance of both present and future events.
Even in today's copies, these facial coverings will emit the power of magic. Not necessarily because a person believes in their power, but rather the belief held in them by ancient and modern tribe rituals. Despite the pagan view held by so many, it is by masking that the shaman can reveal his magic.
The reason there are so many different types of face coverings in the world, is due to the fact that there is a different mask for every ritual. Some will call upon the spirit world and conjure up the wise men that have passed away for guidance. Others are ways that the tribes use to make contact with their many gods.
Only certain tribal members are given the chore of creating these face coverings. They are the expert carvers that have been taught by those before them. They are considered to be masters and hold a high place among the others of the tribe. Every marking and color used has a definite role to play.
The mask itself can be created from stone, wood, ivory, and metal. Occasionally even animal bones are carved and filed and then added as adornment. The shape of the eyes and the mouth and chin all play a part in the ritual. Many are topped with hair or some other material that represents hair.
If one hopes to have the thrill of African tribal masks on display in their home, they have to understand its meaning. Only by learning all there is to know about the tribes can their artistry be truly appreciated. Knowing the reason why a certain item was made will add to the allure of the piece when asked about it by a guest in your home.
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