African Art — Mason Exhibitions

Art from Africa embodies a rich tapestry of multifaceted expressions, deeply rooted in its diverse and multicultural heritage. Across its fifty-four countries and hundreds of ethnic groups, Africa resonates with a profound richness of culture. The Mason African collection delves into the material culture hailing from eight distinct African nations: Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso, Mali, Kenya, Tanzania, Côte d'Ivoire, and Liberia. Far from static or merely aesthetic, these artworks reveal their dynamic essence, having been crafted with purpose and intention.

Woman and Warrior: Many African societies place monumental importance on gender and initiation rites. This emphasis on gender is normally centered around the males of a society. However, women have important roles and rites of their own. Young women have dynamic relationships with the male Maasai warriors. This section explores the theme of women and warriors spanning from Maasai warriors, Mende Bundu Sowei masquerades, Ancient Mother deities of the Poro initiation cycle, all the way to Dogon ancestral altars commemorating deceased female family members.

Masquerades: Masquerades are prominent in many African cultures and are an insight into the values of these particular societies. Presently, scholars understand the importance of masquerades and attempt to preserve and understand the composition of these rituals. These ceremonies utilize the masquerade in order to commemorate occasions such as life, death, religion, and harvest. Each mask within this collection is handmade and serves a specific function within the masquerade performance.

Ceremonial: Ceremony and ritual are integral elements of African art. Ceremony covers a wide range of life events, from rites of passage to marriage, funerals, and seasonal changes, including cycles of the harvest and farming. Art serves a vital function in these ceremonies, as demonstrated by this selection of objects. These works showcase a vast variety of ceremonial use, from the dances utilizing the Chiwara headdress, masquerades set to the music of drums, and figures used atop shrines.

Sculptural Primacy : Sculpture is an essential element in African societies. Art is deeply woven into the fabric of social life and plays a vital role in connecting all members of the community. The sculptures of Africa are sophisticated, powerful, and dynamic. One of the formal elements of African sculpture is the concept of sculptural primacy. This means that most African art is meant to be viewed three-dimensionally and from all angles.