The tribes of the Sub-Saharan West Africa make much use of masks in their traditions, culture and various art forms, either for religious ceremonies or in celebration. Sometimes the two are one and the same.
Masks have great spiritual meaning in many African cultures, and creators of such masks are considered spiritual artists and are held in great esteem. Mask making is usually a secret passed from father to son, along with the symbolic meanings they convey as well as how to act when one is wearing them, since they all represent different entities, spirits and gods.
The African masks are intimately linked to influences in Europe and in Western art in general. Many artistic movements, such as fauvism, cubism and expressionism have been inspired by African art. You can its influence in other corners of the world as well, such as in the Central American masked carnivals and parades.
|
African carved wood mask with shells |
Ivory Coast, carved wood mask with horns |
Angola, ceremonial mask |
Punu tribe wooden mask |
Ghana, tribal mask |
Gabon, Punu tribe mask |
Ceremonial Senufo mask |
Liberian wood mask |
Ivory Coast, mask with beard |
Congo, Kwele tribal mask |
Nigeria, Ibo Spirit tribal mask |
Congo, Songye Kifwebe tribal mask |
Kenya, tribal mask |
Congo, wooden mask |
Zulu tribal mask |
Angola, ritual mask |
Why Tamara de Lempicka Was a Groundbreaking Art Icon
Get to know Tamara de Lempicka - a groundbreaking Art Deco painter and a symbol for women's liberation, who ruled the art scene in the 1920s.
Photographer Beautifully Captures the Spirit of Cameroon
Take a look at this captivating and beautiful documentation of travel photographer Ziya Atkurer's trip to Cameroon.
COLLECTION: 9 Incredible Festivals From Around the World
his unique interactive image is your gateway to exploring nine of the world's most vibrant and unique festivals.
"Presence in Hormuz": an Architectural Pearl
Presence in Hormuz: a beautiful architectural wonder in the Persian Gulf.
I've Never Seen Photos As Stunning As These...
These beautiful shots, which look more like art will undoubtedly impress you.
I've Never Seen Anything Quite Like 19th-Century Japan
Japan is renowned for being one of the world's most unique countries. You've simply got to see just how picturesque and glorious Japanese life was during the 19th Century.
Listen to this 7 Year Old Musician, You Won't Regret It...
And a little boy shall lead them...
This Artist Uses an Unusual Tool to Create Magical Images...
Ralvin Dizon uses an unconventional medium to create his art.
Watch 1000 Musicians Playing an Ode to The Beatles
In the video before you, you can see a clip from a show held in the city of Sao Paulo in Brazil in 2022, where 1000 musicians played "Come Together" by The Beatles.
You've Never Seen a Magic Act Like This Before!
This young man stuns an entire audience with his innovative and mind-boggling close-up magic tricks.
I Can’t Believe These Paper Sculptures are Hand-made
American sculptor Jeff Nishinaka creates masterworks out of paper. You won’t believe how detailed his handmade relief paper sculptures are.
These Acrobats Are True Masters of Their Craft
Watch these acrobats put on a perfromance like no other.
I Can't Get Enough of This Acrobatic Display!
This young acrobatics group is really beautiful in motion.
Listen to This Gorgeous Spring Piece by André Rieu
Let Master violinist André Rieu bring you a beautiful moment of relaxation in spring time...
Watch Andre Rieu Masterfully Perform 'The Last Rose'
Watch Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra masterfully perform their version of 'The Last Rose' while they were touring the Netherlands.
This Performance Took Me Back to a Joyous Time in My Life
Have a listen to this beautiful song...
Behold the Card Trick Master!
It's always great to see someone who is a real master in what he does.
Watch These Acrobats Defy Gravity in an Amazing Circus Act
You’ll be on the edge of your seat watching these talented Russian circus acrobats perform feats on the teeterboard like you've never seen.
I Would Rename This Man The Bubble Whisperer...
If there is a bubble expert in this world, we may have found him.
Discover the Stories of 5 of France's Greatest Artists
Come discover the French painters, and through their works also the history and development of modern French art.
I Can't Resist Tapping Along to This Riverdance Show
Featuring the original stars, Michael Flatley and Jean Butler, this Riverdance performance has me cheering like mad!
This Homeless Man Amazed Everyone Around Him...
No one was expecting this homeless man to have such skills on a piano. When he starts to play, everyone in the vicinity stops to listen.
Discover the Secrets Behind 7 of the Most Famous Paintings
The greatest painters in history have some amazing secrets hidden in their famous works that are fascinating to discover...
Stunning! This Miniature Bird Art is Made from Paper
Check out this stunning miniature bird art.
15 Unforgettable Paintings by Marc Chagall, Explained
You can explore Marc Chagall's 15 greatest works, presented from various periods in his life.
This Live Soprano Aria Performance Will Blow Your Mind!
Take a look at this beautiful and magnificent soprano aria of the famous 'Song of Olympia'.
7 Beautiful Animal Paintings by Franz Marc
German artist Franz Marc was known for his abstract animal paintings that explored their spiritual side. Take a look at his best works.
I Am Floored by This Russian Folk Dance!
The Russian folk dance in this video, as you're about to see, cannot be performed by just anyone...
These Realistic 3D Artworks Will Make You Do a Double Take
These unbelievably realistic 3-D sketches will blow your mind.
This Cirque du Soleil Performance Will Make Your Jaw Drop
It's no wonder that the Cirque du Soleil is the most famous acrobatic troupe in the world when they're capable of performances like these. Watch it right here.
12 Short Poems By the Some of the Greatest Poets!
These 25 short profound poems are brought to you by famous poets from different eras and will bring peace to any turbulent day.
You Will Be in Awe at How Detailed This Art Truly Is
Parth Kothekar's unique talent is represented in the beautifully intricate pieces of paper art she creates.
What a Spectacular Performance by 2 Classic Greats!
An exciting performance by two classic greats - Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye!
Enjoy a Truly Spectacular Harp and Violin Performance
This harp and violin performance isn't like any you've ever seen before. Watch it now.
What Detail! You Must See These Stunning Oil Paintings
Check out these stunning, detailed oil paintings by Osamu Obi.
Jason Gamrath Makes the Most Extravagant Glass Flowers
These glass flowers by Jason Gamrath are colorful, huge and exquisite. From orchids to fly catchers, these big glass flowers are shown in beautiful photos.
The Secrets Behind Today's Special Effects...
Can you believe this movie set was made of sculptures?
Enjoy 60 Minutes of Cirque du Soleil Magic!
Want to see one of the best modern circus shows in the world?
10 of the Most Famous Dog Paintings Throughout History
Dogs have been a part of art history through the ages. Let’s explore some of the most famous dog paintings ever made.
Wow, These 3D Drawings are Out of This World!
Nikola Čuljić has the ability to make his drawings pop off a page. Check out his stunning work here!
Art Explanations: Rembrand’s Most Famous Painting
'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt is among the most recognized paintings in the world, but what makes it a masterpiece?
The Incredible André Rieu: My Heart Will Go On...
The wonderful André Rieu once again brings a song to life in a beautiful and touching show of musical prowess. Bravo!
Watch Two Pianists Perform Mozart's Allegro con Spirito
These two pianists put on a stunning performance on stage.
This Artist takes Generic Photos & Spices them with Doodles
When generic photos meet a creative illustrator, everything is possible...
INTERACTIVE: 12 Greatest Hits by Ray Charles
In this interactive post, we celebrate the musical legend Ray Charles with a carefully curated selection of his 12 greatest hits.
I've Never Seen a Choir Do THIS...
I don't think anyone has ever attempted what this choir is doing with ease!
This World Circus Acrobatic Performance is a Must-Watch!
This acrobatic performance is unlike anything you will ever watch! Remarkable!