Bassa Mask Proverb

Bounɓoɔ̀ mɔ̀ ḿ dyí-gmɔ̀-nyɔ̀ kà ɓáɖáá-dyí-gmɔ̀-nyɔ̀ gmɔ̀à ɓáɖáá dyíɛ.

Ɔ jèɛɛ, ḿ se ɖɛ ɖò kpéɖéɛ mu.

2Ɔ kpa ḿ, ɓɛ́ ḿ ké dyi pɛ̃́ ɖé pìǐ ɓɛ̀ɖɛ̀ɛ̀-ɓɛ̀ɖɛ̀ɛ̀ gbǎ ɓěɔ̀ mú.

Ɔ kpa ḿ ɓó zii-nì pɛ̀ɛ̀ ɓěɔ̀ gbìǐ.

3Ɔ po ní zùùɔ̀ kpéí ɖe.

Ɔ kpàìn ḿ ɖé hwìè sɛ́ɖɛ́ìn dyíɛɛ xwíníín, ɓó ɔ nyɛ́nɛ́ɔ̀ jè.

4Kɛbì ḿ mɛ nà ɖé gĩɔ tíe-kpòɛ̀ bɔɔ̀ múɛɛ,

ḿ se fã̀à ɖò peɖeɛ́ mu,

sepóɛɖé Bounɓo, m̀ nì ɓó ḿ gbo.

Nì ɓáɖáá-dyí-gmɔ̀ìn-ɓà-cùɔ̀ kè nì kùì-kpàɔ̀, wa mɔ̀ ḿ dyí-gmɔ̀ìn-ɖɛ̀.

5M̀ naɓaà téɓèɖè ɖò ɓó ḿ bìì,

ɓó ní mú-nyɛ́-nyɔ̀ ɓěɔ̀ dyéɖé waí.

M̀ kpɔ̃ ní jè dyi dyììn ɖé ḿ cáná nɔ̀mɔ̀ nyɔ́ún dúún-po-po mú.

M̀ dyíìn ní kópòɔ̀, ké ɔ zĩ̀ìn dyi.

6Jǎà jɛ́ɛ́, nì kpeɖeɛ̀-dyíin-nɔ̀mɔ̀-nɔ̀mɔ̀ɔ̀ kè nì ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ǐn-ɖɛ̀ɓɛ̀ǐn se-sèìn-naín-kɔ̃̀ɔ̀ mu ɓó ḿ gbo nììn ɖé ní fɛ̀ɛ̀-wè séín mú.

Ké ní mu ɖé nì gbǒɔ̀ mú cĩ́ìn kánáá pū.

מִזְמ֥וֹר לְדָוִ֑ד
יְהוָ֥ה רֹ֝עִ֗י לֹ֣א אֶחְסָֽר׃
בִּנְא֣וֹת דֶּ֭שֶׁא יַרְבִּיצֵ֑נִי
עַל־מֵ֖י מְנֻח֣וֹת יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃
נַפְשִׁ֥י יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב
יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי בְמַעְגְּלֵי־צֶ֝֗דֶק לְמַ֣עַן שְׁמֽוֹ׃
גַּ֤ם כִּֽי־אֵלֵ֨ךְ בְּגֵ֪יא צַלְמָ֡וֶת
לֹא־אִ֘ירָ֤א רָ֗ע כִּי־אַתָּ֥ה עִמָּדִ֑י
שִׁבְטְךָ֥ וּ֝מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ הֵ֣מָּה יְנַֽחֲמֻֽנִי׃
תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ לְפָנַ֨י ׀ שֻׁלְחָ֗ן נֶ֥גֶד צֹרְרָ֑י
דִּשַּׁ֖נְתָּ בַשֶּׁ֥מֶן רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י כּוֹסִ֥י רְוָיָֽה׃
אַ֤ךְ ׀ ט֤וֹב וָחֶ֣סֶד יִ֭רְדְּפוּנִי כָּל־יְמֵ֣י חַיָּ֑י
וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י בְּבֵית־יְ֝הוָ֗ה לְאֹ֣רֶךְ יָמִֽים

A Call to Wear the Camarilla Mask Necklace with Consciousness

We belong to a lineage that spans centuries, united by principles of truth, unity, and personal growth. While the teachings of the 16 tribes are sacred, their power lies in being lived and shared openly. One of the most meaningful ways to express these values is by wearing the Camarilla Mask Necklace. This symbol represents not just membership but a lifelong commitment to personal development and the community. Wearing it invites questions and opens the door for meaningful conversations about the legacy and values we embody.

Though every conversation may not be easy, even small gestures—like a kind word or a personal reflection—can plant seeds of understanding. You don’t need to have every answer; sincerity and openness are enough. In a world filled with fleeting connections, the necklace reminds us of something deeper: unity in diversity, a commitment to growth, and the shared journey toward building a better society.

When you wear the Camarilla Mask Necklace with pride, you become a living testament to the values of the 16 tribes. Reflect on the meaning of the mask, let its essence shine through your actions, and inspire others with your quiet strength and dedication.

Aims and Purpose

Shaping the Camarilla Mask™: Roughing Out the Contours

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.

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMMSDLnA3/

#camarillamaskacademy

Ksmarala Dyuu™ Tekpwfari Starkraft Masktape Intro

“בית הכוכבים”

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

Ksmarala Dyuu™ Tekpwfari Starkraft Masktape Intro

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.”

Kúsì-ɓòɖòɔ̀ Báɓò presented in Afrotropical Bassa from the Star & Shield Clothing Archives

“Yei dà bɛ̀ ka dà, nyaa me!” Masktape

“Yei dà bɛ̀ ka dà, nyaa me!”

(Translation: “In the bush, money is hidden, not lost.”)
“Yei dà bɛ̀ ka dà, nyaa me!” (Translation: “In the bush, money is hidden, not lost.”) Meaning: Wealth may not always be visible or easily accessible, but it can be found or acquired with effort and resourcefulness.

#talismansofelra

Is the mask the devil?

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.

Tékpwfárí Stíx Él Rá

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