African Tribal Ethnic Groups And Their mask Art

African Tribal Ethnic Groups And Their mask Art

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There are scores of tribal ethnic groups in Africa and each group has contributed its bit in taking African tribal art to a higher level. Each tribal society has its own particular customs and traditions and beliefs that are depicted with creativity and fervor in their tribal masks, tribal sculptures, statuettes or any other tribal artifact.

Here are some of the prominent tribal ethnic groups of Africa and their mask art and traditions:

Fang

This tribe can be found in Gabon and southern Cameroon in Africa. They preserve the remains of their ancestors in cylindrical boxes made of bark. They are well known for making Byeri heads, figures, sculptures and elongated masks. The most popular Fang art form is the striking "Ngil" mask.

Punu

Masks hold a special significance in the lives of Punu tribe. Their masks are used to represent a female guardian spirit and they are usually white in color and characterized by diamond shaped scar on the forehead, protruding eyes, T-shaped noses, and full lips. On funeral ceremonies and various other rituals, these masks are worn by dancers who perform acrobatic feats.

Dogon

It is believed that the Dogon tribe originated along the west bank of the Niger River. Today they inhabit in the hills of Bandiagara. Their well-known artworks are the ceremonial masks which they create to mark their various rituals. Their abstract masks represent different totem animals like hyenas, antelopes, birds etc. Apart from masks, they also create some impressive statues.

Kuba

Located in the Southeastern Congo, the best known Kuba art forms are portrait figures called Ndop. They use more than twenty types of masks which have geometric designs and patterns.

Bambara

The popular art works of this tribe are abstract female "jonyele" statues, stunning "chi wara" headdresses, "ntomo" masks, "boli" sculptures, animal-shaped figures made of wood and even wooden door locks. The Bambara are of Mandinke origin and today reside in Mali.

Yoruba

They use a variety of masks right from simple ones to the extravagant. In most of their art pieces, the human face is painted in vibrant colors.

Igbo

The Igbo tribe has the largest variety of masks in varied forms and styles to their credit. They made elaborate "water spirit" masks in bizarre colors, "Izzi" masks and "Afikpo masks.

Woyo

For ages the tribe of Woyo lived in the mighty Kongo Kingdom. You can see the influence of their Kongo neighbors in their sculptures. Their masks of colorfully-painted faces are considered some of the most beautiful tribal African masks. For ceremonies, dancers wore masks along with costumes made of dried banana leaves.

These are just some of the tribal ethnic groups. There are scores of other tribal ethnic groups whose art has contributed to the popularity of African art all over the world.

If you have a passion for the tribal art works, tribal masks or any other African art; then check out some reputed and reliable online art galleries where you can find a wide assortment of African tribal art in varied designs and styles.

About the Author:
Tony Chalmers is an art critic and a specialist in African paintings and wildlife paintings
. He has written several insightful articles on various tribal ethnic groups contemporary artists.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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