Ancient Africa's view of the universe was an all-
embracing and religious one. Acts of creation,
like this ceremonial mask, were carried out with a
reason, an intention or appropriate ritual
preparation. In traditional Africa there was no
division between the sacred and the profane, as
there is in our modern society. Everything was
interconnected, because everything was imbued
with a profound feeling of the Unity of Life. The
artist who created this exquisite mask played a
specific role in the community. The arts were not
considered to be merely utilitarian or aesthetic.
They were functions with religious significance.
The remarkable beauty of this piece lies in the
elongated purity of form which is typical of the
Marka style. The facial features are perfectly set
within the extended cheekbones and conical
chin. The oval shape of the top of the head
recalls the shape of an egg and is set off by six
individual horn-like structures with an abstract
figure of a stretched out body with torso and legs
running down the middle. The mask was first
carved in hard wood and then covered with
repousse brass plating. The artist seems to have
taken special delight in the juxtaposition of
numerous textured patterns and in the use of
dot motifs to delineate the edges of the various
parts of the face. The eyebrows and lips are
highlighted in blue. There are two ornamental
pieces on either side of the face which harmonize
with the length of the nose. The nose also has an
ornamental piece on top of it. All the ornamental
pieces "rattle" when the mask is moved. All these
elements consummate into a masterpiece of
art...and the representation of the unity of all
things within the African sacred universe where
everything was mutually dependent.
- (PF.3050)
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