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Why African Masks Are Not Home Décor
In many parts of the world, an African mask is commonly used as decoration. It may hang on a living room wall, sit on a shelf, or be placed as a centrepiece in a modern interior. While visually striking, this use of African masks represents a complete shift from their original cultural purpose. Traditionally, African…
Sowei Mask of the Mende: The Only African Mask Tradition Owned by Women
New: the 2nd edition of Within Carved Lines: The Secret Meanings of African Masks is out now. Get the book → Almost every well-known African masking tradition is controlled by men. The Sowei mask, worn by the Mende, Temne, Vai, and Gola peoples of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea, is the exception that reorders the…
