African Tribal Art

The variety of african tribal art honours the colossal mix of african cultures. As a common ground african tribal art always contains a pertinency to of some sort of spirit related to nature, religion and human existence. African tribal art in form of masks, sculptures and figures was always used in various ceremonies, rituals and initiations of the tribe.

True African tribal art is usually created by a selected specialist, who has learned specific carving techniques over many years. This artist producing african tribal art is invaluable for his tribe because of the significance that his work plays in daily life.

African tribal masks, sculptures and figures have a spiritual, ceremonial and practical value to the people. The sacredness of the tribal artwork means that these African masks and figures are generally passed from parents to children over the generations.

The use of african masks in ceremonies is very important for african religion and spirit. This becomes observable in the dances, where the african masks play an important role. The dancer is carefully choosen from the individuals and is trained specifically for this purpose. The task of the masking ceremony and the dancer is to speak with the people already passed and to get advice from them. For this the dancer goes into a trance like state, listening and dancing to the very specific and intrinsic music.

Many people around the world admire African tribal art as fair pieces of artistry. They are in high request from art collectors in the US, but also in Europe. Many collectors of african tribal art have put together nice galleries of african masks and figures.


Posted By: Anton Mentrup
Web: http://www.african-tribal-art.net
Contact: e-mail

About the Author:
Dr. Anton Mentrup is an experienced collector of african tribal art. Large parts of his collection of african masks and african statues is visible on a special gallery in in the internet.

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African Tribal Art