Faces of Africa (4)

This is the final selection in the African mask series  –  at least for the time being!

 

 

 

 

Faces of Africa (3)

Two more examples from the collection.

 

 

Faces of Africa (2)

 

This mask is the largest in the collection introduced in Faces of Africa (1), and measures 45.5 cm in height.  I was particularly intrigued by the two smaller faces in the upper part of the mask.

The animal mask below is also one of the larger masks and measures 37 cm in height.

 

Faces from Africa (1)

 

A few years ago, at an auction sale, I bought a collection of, what I think are, African masks and carvings.  They fascinated me although I knew (and still know) nothing of their true ethnic origins.  They were bought purely for their decorative properties.  It seemed a good idea at the time but I have never found a use for them, nor was I able to raise any interest on ebay!  Perhaps their hour has come!

The average height of the originals is around 30cm.  Because they are individual items I have ‘created’ backgrounds that I feel to be appropriate and have occasionally adjusted saturation and contrast levels to make details a little more clear.  It is my intention to post the resulting images in small groups under the heading Faces from Africa.  This post comprises the first selection.