West African
West African
Meanings of West African Masks
West Africa is rich in art and is famous for its amazing tribal masks. These masks are an important part of the identity and beliefs of the communities who use them. If you have ever wondered what masks from West Africa mean or the reason for their invention then read on I'm sure by the end of this article you will have a new found understanding of what a typical West african mask is made for.
African masks are traditionally worn by tribes who use it for many different things. There are different purposes for the creation of each mask and it is dependent on the region of Africa they are made and from what tribe they came from. One of the stand out indicators of a masks purpose is the facial attributes it has. An example being in some tribe's a long, stretched face symbolizes the soberness that power brings.
Masks have been known to be used and specifically made for spiritual ceremonies in which the spirits of ancestors are conjured through special dance and song, by wearing the mask. These spirits some tribes believe will guide them through life, protect them from evil and in the past give them strength to triumph in war.
Tribal masks are made by specially trained individuals who have been taught by an elder in the community with years of experience in the craft of mask making. A master or expert carver is a job that comes with much prestige, in order for one to take on this role they would need to understand meanings of colour and spiritual markings.
Masks are made from differing materials and the material used is often an indicator of how important the mask is. The materials used in making the masks range from wood, metal,ivory and stone. Some tribes have been known to file down animal bones and use it for extensions on masks.
Masks can also represent the cultures ideal of feminine beauty. The Punu of Gabon has masks that epitomizes female beauty in their culture and is only worn by men on stilts. The masks have almond shaped eyes, a narrow chin and dark black hair style which tops it off. The face of the mask is white and represents the beauty of the spirit world. The Idia's mask of Benin is a famous mask among African art lovers which was made in memory of the king of Benin's mother. In honor of his mother he wore it by his side near his hip during special ceremonies.
Many masks from Africa are made for a concept or a few, rather than to represent an individual. A mask may be made to represent "wisdom of a man" for example and will feature standout facial characteristics to further add to its cause. West African masks are an amazing part of African culture as they are visual representations of the beliefs of a tribe and also an object of historical insight. An African mask or tribal mask is not just a mask it has depth and history that one can only appreciate when they know its meaning and reason for existence.
About the Author
http://www.authenticafrika.com is a site dedicated to selling authentic handcrafted West African art pieces made by local artisans that range from
wooden African masks
, African paintings,
African decor
and many more..
Is there a difference between a Griot and a West African Griot?
I know an African Griot is a story teller/historian/musician of african tribes, but I don't understand what the difference is between a regular griot and a west african griot, or is it simply a specification?
Griots are specifically west african poets/story tellers etc. and therefore by definition a Griot comes from west africa, so when people call them west african griots they are just being overly specific.
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Scientology Volunteer Ministers West African Goodwill Tour Continues in Benin
Scientology volunteers present effective solutions to the people of Djougou
A team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers is continuing their work in Benin, in Djougou, the largest city in northwest of the country. Benin has major challenges to overcome: half the population is living below the international poverty line and only a third of the adult population is literate.
With their motto, “Something CAN be done about it,” the Scientology Volunteer Ministers are working with officials and civic leaders, providing workshops, seminars, courses and personal help to groups and individuals.
The tour has been helping schools throughout Djougou with workshops on the technology of study, developed by L. Ron Hubbard. The workshop provides students and teachers with the means to gain the most from their education. Over one recent two-week period, the Tour delivered workshops at six Djougou schools, reaching 50 teachers and more than 800 students.
The Scientology volunteers also provide seminars, workshops and courses at their big yellow tent. One of these seminars covers the use of Scientology assists, procedures that help people who are ill, distraught or injured. While they do not take the place of medical attention or first aid, assists address the emotional and spiritual side of trauma, and help the person recover fully and quickly from injury, stress or shock. “I am very sure I will apply what I have just learned to help others feel an immense sense of relief,” wrote one man on completion of this seminar. “I thank the team of Scientology Volunteer Ministers,” wrote another, “It is as if they came here especially for me.”
A woman who attended a seminar on the raising of children said it changed her attitude and approach to parenting completely. Before the seminar she would get very frustrated with her children and she did things she later regretted. She left, confident that she can now really help her children and treat them with the same respect she would give to anyone else, no matter their age.
“I thank the Scientology Volunteer Ministers for their help and kindness,” wrote another person who visited the Tour at their tent. “I am now capable of solving problems. I assure you that I will apply what I learned to help humanity.”
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers West African Goodwill Tour is one of ten such tours, reaching out into remote locations. They provide training and one-on-one help using technology in the Scientology Handbook.
For more information visit the Scientology Volunteer Ministers web site.
About the Author
Linda Wieland writes for the Scientology Press Office in Los Angeles, CA.
West African