Mixed Media African Mosaic Mask – Purple Reign

Title: Purple Reign
Size: 45cm x 30cm
Materials: Stone, Stained Glass, Beads, Crockery, Smalti, Cowrie Shells, Metal Pendant
Ready to hang

This African mask is entitled “Purple Reign” and is handmade. The base is made out of cement board which was cut to form the mask shape. The materials are embedded into a pigmented cement.

The earliest known surviving masks come from graves at the Egyptian predynastic site of Hierakonpolis and perhaps the most famous mask in the world is the solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun. The Egyptians also buried lesser known individuals wearing funerary masks of lower craftmanship. These were often made from a material similar to papier maché.

Traditional African masks represent a tradition that dates back thousands of years where special rituals were performed for specific celebrations or events.