Before diving into those intricate details, start by focusing on the overall shape of your wood mask. Use larger gouges to carve out the basic curves of the face – the rise of the cheekbones, the slope of the nose, the hollow of the eyes.
Think of it like sculpting with clay – you’re establishing the main features first. Pay attention to symmetry and proportions. Remember, wood is forgiving! You can always remove more, but adding it back is tricky.
The knowledge is not set down explicitly in books but is embodied in the מסכה itself. In essence מסכה is in a nature of a divine rite meant to instill in the beholder an understanding of creation and creative power. The face of the מסכה is that of Ancestral Man and Woman. Man before slavery and the perfected man/ woman. One who has regained his cosmic consciousness through his or her own method…
Celestial Mask Intelligence @Tekpwfari Stix El Ra
Sources:
Cissé, Youssouf. “Sogo Sigi: Une esthétique des masques Dogon.” (2008).
Griaule, Marcel. “Conversations with Ogotemmeli: An Introduction to Dogon Religious Ideas.” (1965).
Davis, Stephen. “Reggae Bloodlines: In Search of the Music and Culture.” (1978). Chapter 8: “Burning Spear: The Fire Still Burns.”
The idea of Liberian masks being referred to as “devil masks” is a misnomer and is based on a lack of understanding and misinterpretation of the cultural significance of the masks.
Masks are an important part of many African cultures, and they often represent spirits, ancestors, or other supernatural entities. In Liberia, masks are used in various cultural and religious contexts, including the Camarilla Mask™ societies.
The masks are not intended to represent devils or evil spirits, but rather specific spiritual entities that are revered and respected within their cultural context. The use of masks is often associated with important ceremonies, such as initiations and funerals, and is considered an important part of maintaining cultural identity and tradition.
Unfortunately, due to the history of colonialism and Christianization in Africa, there has been a tendency to demonize traditional African beliefs and practices. This has led to a misinterpretation of the cultural significance of masks and other traditional African art forms, which are often labeled as “primitive” or “evil” by outsiders.
Some Christian traditions have given the devil additional names or titles, such as “Lucifer,” which means “light-bringer” and is derived from a passage in Isaiah 14:12-15, though this passage is widely interpreted as referring to the fall of a Babylonian king rather than the devil.
Why is the mask (מסכה) referred to the people as “the Devil” when the devil has a name?
Beelzebub (Matthew 12:24,27, Mark 1:34, 3:22), The name used for the devil is right in the bible. It is coming from the ancient Babylonian god Baal for “lord” and Zebub meaning “the maggots of a fly”. Also the Mohammedans in the Koran 2:14 and 2:102 mention the name of the devil as Shayaatiynihim ((شزذثش A Plural for the Ashuric/ Syriac (Arabic) Equivalent Shaytaan of the Aramic (Hebrew) Word Satan. When the Preachers and Imaams refer to him as Shaytan or Satan that is what he is: Shay ((قي،- A thing: Tiyn (طين0 – clay- a thing of clay – that is not a name that’s a description of what he is made of. Mask on the other hand are made of predominantly wood, metal, cowry shells, wooden beads.
In the Quran, the name for the devil is “Iblis.” This name is derived from the Arabic word “أَبْلِيس” (Iblees) which means “despair” or “despondency.”
In conclusion, while the masks of Liberia may be referred to as “devil masks” by some, this is a misnomer that reflects a lack of understanding and cultural sensitivity. It is important to recognize the cultural significance of these masks and to appreciate them within their proper context.
he Camarilla Mask™ movement is advocating for a decentralized political system and a decentralized currency for Afrotropicals.
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