The significance of the African Mask has a divine and mystical history in Africa. A very important part of that history includes the traditional African tribal masks that were crafted to help communicate with ancestors. The African masks are an important part of African ceremonies, rituals, initiations, celebrations and secret communities. The use of African masks typically involve song, prayer and dance, which has always been an integral part of African culture. It is for this reason that the African mask can be viewed as an obvious work of sculptural art, but because of its function, it is also considered a performance art form. African masks are mostly crafted from indigenous African wood. They are often decorated with paints, cowrie shells, colored glass, nails, plant fibers, horns and metal adornments. Although these African masks are not typically used during rituals today, due to cultural modernization, the beauty and spirit of these masks are still captured by the African artists that handcraft them.
African Ghana Fang Mask - Light Wood (Set of 2) Large
SKU: DSAI-A-M965
Hand-carved light wood fang masks like these were worn by itinerant troubadours and for hunting and punishing sorcerers. They are made from light wood because that is supposed to resemble the pale countenance of the dead, as these masks were often used to honor the ancestors. Each mask is approximately 24" tall. Made in Ghana.
