African tribal masks: traditional as well as "airport art"

 

In this section you'll find an eclectic range of collectable masks. Some of them are old, some of them are vintage, every now and then there's a truly antique mask - but quite a lot will fall under what's often called "airport art". This term indicates art that's specifically created for the tourist trade, in a way that appeals to as many people from as many countries in the world as possible.

 

This does not mean that airport art is necessarily bad art, or the work of lesser skilled craftsmen. Some airport art is very beautiful and very artistically made. A good piece of airport art in your home is nothing to be ashamed of. The term simply indicates a tribal art form that doesn't strongly reflect traditional aspects of African art, like being made for cultural, religious and/or spiritual ceremonies. The mask depicted to the right, for example, is well-made by a good craftsman or even artist - but it neither can, nor does, fullfill a ceremonial function. It's a pretty good piece of home decoration though, and even more: these objects tend to be cheap!