African Ritual Masks: The Power and Politics of Colour
In the African tribal artifact market, intense colours and European paints seem to be considered more of a deterrent than a motivation for purchase. But the reality is that genuine African artifacts, rich colour and European paints reflect a more authentic sense of African ritualism and give the piece greater ritual energy and power than non coloured pieces Read More
African Ritual Masks: "Value" or "Values"?
I have found some authors add another dimension to information on masks, or highlight my own experiences. So, I have unashamedly borrowed from their writings, tried to expand on some points of view and weld others together. What follows is a collage of opinion that may (or may not) add another dimension to the value(s) you attribute to the next mask you find or buy. Read More
Photo Gallery
Namibia 2010 (Windhoek-Kalahari-Aus-Luderitz-Sossussvlei-Swakopmund)
After spending 5 days searching for masks in Angola I drove a 4WD through Southern Namibia for 3 weeks. From Windhoek I spent 4 days in the Kalahari, 3 days in Aus, 4 days in Sossussvlei and 4 days in Swakopmund. Some nights were in the open camping and others under roofs - I loved its deserts (both the Kalahari and the Namib), mountains, coast, animals, ghost towns, forbidden zones, and of course, its people. Surprisingly, I found more authentic Angolan material across the border in Namibia than I did in Luanda. These are a few of the photos from walking and driving in Namibia
Cameroon 2009 (Douala-Limbe-Bamenda-Bafut-Bafoussam-Foumban)
From sharing a hotel with a team of US Marines in Limbe to dodging road blocks and donkeys while hurtling along dubious roads from Bamoun to Foumban in just 2½ hours (since labelled "the Cameroon Death Race"), Cameron is alternately beaming smiles, brooding stares or unashamed avarice. Although the scenery is not as spectacular as other African locations, the art (both old and new)and even the new claiming to be old) is fantastic. These are photos from my culturally rich Cameroon escapade
Mali 2007 (Bamako-Segou-Mopti-Dogon Plateau-Djenne)
In 2007 I travelled for 3 weeks following the Niger River, experiencing life and collecting masks in Mali. Landing in Bamako I made my way by bus to Segou and on to Mopti. In Mopti I met up with a fantastic Dogon guide, whom I highly recommend, Batrou Saye, (batrousaye@hotmail.com) and walked the Dogon Plateau starting in Bandiagara and staying on rooftops in Teli and Begnimato before returning to Mopti. Heading south again I spent 4 days in Djenne taking photos of the Mosque and people before returning for a few days to the marvelous Hotel L'Auberge in Segou. These are a few of the photos from my Mali travels