Have you ever heard of the African Baule bead mask? The Baule mask is a cultural symbol that has been around for centuries. The Baule people, who are from the Ivory Coast and Ghana, first began making these masks more than 1,000 years ago. Where were you 1,000 years ago? Not even in the idea of conception! They were used in ceremonies to honor the dead and the cycle of life. You see, the cycle of life in Africa is not just about the birth and death of people, but also about the changing seasons, nature and wildlife. The Baule people believe that the mask is a representation of the human soul. African masks show the powerful cultural legacy of...
“They speak about a very sophisticated and complex court system.” - Barbara Plankensteiner, the director of the Museum am Rothenbaum in Hamburg. Throughout life, school… we face a complex shift in perception as different courses are introduced to us, that widen our scope of what we thought the world to be, and awaken our souls to what it actually is. The deepest connection and intrigue encountered so far, and still being rediscovered day by day is that of Africa’s Culture and Heritage… And where better to start, than at the roots of one of the oldest kingdoms in West Africa that started in the 900s. The mighty medieval capital. The Benin Dynasty ,started by Oba Oranmiyan, who was from the...
When trying to determine which antique African mask to purchase, there is a lot you should consider and research before making the purchase. Many masks may seem like good deals, but they may have cracks or issues that you aren't able to see in person with just one look. There are many important questions you need to ask yourself when looking for African Masks such as:
