Masks on or masks off? We’ve heard this question many times in the past two years. Here, however, my question here is unrelated to the Covid pandemic. Instead, it’s related to collecting tribal masks. In tribal masks, the past and present collide in the world of antiques. There, one can find an ideal collector’s item.
Tribal masks cut across many ancient cultures and civilizations, from the sweltering rainforests of Sub-Saharan Africa across the plains of Egypt to the high mountains and seaside of Polynesia. Native cultures have maintained a solid connection to the spiritual world through rituals and traditions, and masks were often part of these traditions. Masks were created based on the materials available or a tribe’s beliefs. They were designed with a purpose: to celebrate life, deaths, harvests, initiations, fertility, and so on.
Although wood is one of the most commonly used materials for masks, other materials were used, such as copper, bronze, various fabrics, and so on. In addition, some masks were hand-painted with ochre or other natural pigments. Finally, decorative items like animal hair, horns, teeth, seashells, seeds, straw, eggshells, and feathers were applied to a mask’s surface. Animal hair or straw was frequently used for a mask’s hair or the beard.
Masks from African Tribes
Masks have always played an essential role in African traditions. They were created to depict ancestors, rulers, and animal life to please the spirits. These spirits, in turn, provided protection or good tidings to the tribe. African masks are typically made for initiations, burials, harvests, and funeral rites and are sometimes carved in abstract form. Some of these masks are of religious significance and are used in ritual dances and social and ceremonial gatherings. However, a majority of African masks have a serious purpose. They aren’t just a piece of art, a hobby, or a set of decorations.
Mask-making is often a family tradition passed down from fathers to sons. So is the knowledge of the masks’ symbolic meanings. African masks come in various colors, but the most common are black, brown, and red. Occasionally, you will see them in white.
Masks are a component of great African art. Consequently, they have had a significant impact on European and Western artists. In the twentieth century, artistic movements such as cubism, fauvism, and expressionism frequently drew inspiration from Africa’s diverse mask heritage. Moreover, this heritage can be found in other traditions, such as masked Carnival parades in South and Central America.
The bold abstract designs found in African tribal masks are believed to have inspired Pablo Picasso. He is touted as having used African culture to breathe new life into the tired tradition of figure painting in Western art.
Polynesian Masks
Does the mythical, mysterious, and exotic pique your interest? Do you adore the realism, majesty, and tropical allure that evokes the ancient mystery of the Hawaiian and Polynesian Islands? Tiki masks are a charming way to add a tropical flair to a collection. Tiki masks add more than just style to a tropical-themed collection; they also add meaning, history, and authenticity, evoking the islands’ rich culture.
Still, these carved wooden masks have a long, rich history in Polynesian culture. They are some of the oldest carvings known to man. They serve several functions, ranging from ancestor worship to defending and safeguarding the borders of homes and temples.
Tiki mask makers carve each mask carefully and slowly, with particular attention to detail. The features and expressions of the masks are essential in personifying the characteristics and the deities themselves ingraining the spirits into the masks. Tiki masks were traditionally left unpainted or were stained in earthly hues like tans and browns. The meanings of these tiki masks have evolved and are still developing.
Caring for Antique Masks
Antique masks are usually easy to care for and maintain due to the materials used or their ability to do well in most climates. However, durability notwithstanding, they should be kept away from extreme conditions like direct sun exposure, high humidity, and damaging household products.
Generally, a regular dusting of wooden tribal masks is sufficient. Wooden masks should not be cleaned with water. Unpainted wood absorbs moisture and may damage a mask. Wooden masks exposed to the elements for an extended time should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment.
It is recommended that for masks that require in-depth cleaning or restorative work, one should seek the guidance of a professional.
Tribal Masks and the Market Today
Masks from Africa, e.g., Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon, are in high demand.
A Gabonese Fang Ngil Mask sold for $7.5 million at Paris’s 2006 Verite Collection auction. This sale and others have made the collection of antique face masks a lucrative pastime for many collectors. But, many masks held in private collections have yet to be sold.
Masks with a significant historical past are desirable. Many tribal masks on the market today date from the late nineteenth century.
Tribal masks provide a glimpse into the richness of artistic expression, reflecting decades of cultural traditions and practices. They possess a stunning range of designs and details, showing the extent of creative skills and knowledge expressed through these cultures. The more time a collector spends immersed in the fascinating world of masks, the more they will appreciate their cultural and symbolic significance.
As a collector, amassing a collection of tribal masks means preserving heritage and ensuring that the legacy lives on for future generations. While at it, it doesn’t hurt to make a profit. Tell me, what’s better than doing what you love while preserving ancient cultures and making money from them.
Halimah Ahmed is a content writer who focuses on diverse topics. When she’s not writing or researching, she’s taking long walks, or you’ll find her scouring flea markets and yard sales for exciting finds in Nigeria.
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