Our Hobbies and Interests

[keita]

On another thread in this forum,

this2shallpass said:

Beulah,

If you don't mind and have a chance, can you speak about African Mask? I've have three of them hanging on my wall. I love the art work of them, but have never thought about what they symbolize.

My husband purchased another one last weekend at the an Art Fair. There were many Africans selling at this Art Fair. Many attempted to explain what some of the pieces symbolized. I must admit I didn't understand much.

It occured to me that I needed to to some research on African Mask, so I went to the internet. There is much to study about which mask means what, tribal mask, spirital, war, etc.

I saw two of the ones I own on-line, but I still don't know what they symbolize. I have zero knowledge on the subject. I like them for the art work. I have decided I shoud not purchase another Mask until I know what it symbolizes.

I read on-line that some of the Mask symbolize spirits. That is what concerns me most. Are some of these spirits demonic, negative; some positive? Should I have the Mask hanging in my home when I don't know the symbolic meaning?

It also mention that many are fine works of art, which is why I enjoy having them in my home. For the intricate art work.

Whatever you can provide will be helpful.

Keita wrote:

Sista T2SP:

Imho, these are some really important questions you're asking and issues you're raising. A friend and I were just discussing a similar concern a few days ago. We were sharing that we as African Americans are often so excited about making and expressing African connections that we are doing a lot of things in well-intentioned ignorance. (In addition to our purchasing of African masks and other artwork, I'm thinking about the (mis)use of kente cloth as just another example.) It would be wonderful if Bee (or anyone who is knowledgeable) would speak on this matter. For the time being though, I'm going to use your post to start a thread of its own here where folks can respond and the discussion continue.

Keita

[Beulah5]

Thank you for this Keita-i just read the other post and had asked for this question to be started as a separate thread.

One of the tragedies that i have personally encountered is the egotistical attitude that accompanies/have accompanied western missionaries in their bid to proselytize different nations whose culture is unlike their own.

We can make as many excuses as we want but what it boils down to is fear and control.

Just look at the Trail of Tears

Matter of fact i am at the stage where i think that since so much of the gospel has been preached everywhere that unless by a direct divine mandate from the Lod that folks should just stay in their nations and deal with the very real issues that face them.

Many churches are always wanting to start missions on shores further afield while neglecting the poor in their very own community. Of course this is noble and if God divinely ordered that-good. However we must not neglect that wew must fill our own cities and towns first before spreading further afield.

Anyway so when it comes to culture no other religion has wreaked more havoc than christianity touted by fanatical zealots in suicide bombers style passion.

For whom there is only one extreme-u can only be a true christian if u not just accept Jesus but also become like them in their thinking and practices.

This extremity has had a backlash especially in the last 20 years where people are now wanting to go back to their roots after realising that God is not against culture but also the one who instituted it.

This is all well and good but how then do we distinguish what are good cultural practices and what are not.

I believe the answer is simple and Paul gave us that anything that leads to idol worship or is idolatrous in origin is clearly contradictory to the word of God so a simple study behind the history of things should set us in the right frame.

I believe and have a deep love and appreciation for my culture and adhere to as much of it as i can however i do know for a fact that African masks are a representation of the communal deity.

My grandfather was a sage and a woodcarver. He also happened to believe he was the reincarnation of Socrates (another subject for anoither time though )

The masks are carved based on the features of the spirit and what happens after it is made is it is believed that the spirit then comes to live in the mask.

To put it simply masks are made to house the entity and once a year on the festive day these are worn by the native priests, the spirit behind the mask enters them and they run around the township during the night and it is seen as the deity making a visitation so everyone stays indoors.

Any african mask in your house is a direct invitation and dwelling place for demons.

Selah.

[this2shallpass]

Oh my God! I guess that's why I asked the question....

Before I take these mask off my wall (and I will), is it possible that the mask can be crafted (simply) as a work of art, with no symbolism intended?

After reading your reply, suddenly the mask don't look so good. You are correct, sometimes we do purchase items of other cultures, with well intended ignorance.

I have to say that after purchasing the last one, I began to wonder about the spirit dwelling in the person who crafted it (possible the Holy Spirit speaking to my spirit), which is what led to my asking the question of you. Thanks for your reply. O my.

Is it possible for the mask to be (just) art?

[keita]

I've never been a big fan of masks from any culture. Something about them just somehow always seemed too "alive" and "personal" in a way that's uncomfortable for me. Anybody know what I mean?

Hey Bee:

How, if at all, do you think the same spiritual principles you've shared would apply to those items that are inauthentic. For example, I have seen a lot of mass produced "African" masks that were actually "made in Japan, Taiwan", etc. . Even if I collected masks, I wouldn't be interested in those primarily 'cause I just don't like fakery atall . But in light of what you've shared, I'm wondering if even what they are intended to represent would be yet another reason to avoid them.

T2SP:

If you don't mind my asking (I know I'm out of my business so just tell me if you do!)...how do you think your husband will receive this info?

[this2shallpass]

Glad you asked Keita. When I told my spouse that I had look up the symbolism of the mask on the internet, and that I think they (may) represent (negative) spirits, his only comment was "then take them down".

My husband trust my spiritual insight.

But, the question you posed about the inauthentic Mask, is what I'm also wondering about. Although I don't like many fake things, (purses and other name brands), I do like the art of the mask, even if they are not authentic. Actually, at this point I would prefer they not be authentic .

[keita]

this2shallpass said:

Glad you asked Keita. When I told my spouse that I had look up the symbolism of the mask on the internet, and that I think they (may) represent (negative) spirits, his only comment was "then take them down".

My husband trust my spiritual insight.

How WONDERFUL!!! You are truly a blessed woman of God ;D...with a very wise husband!

[Beulah5]

keita said:

Hey Bee:

How, if at all, do you think the same spiritual principles you've shared would apply to those items that are inauthentic. For example, I have seen a lot of mass produced "African" masks that were actually "made in Japan, Taiwan", etc. . Even if I collected masks, I wouldn't be interested in those primarily 'cause I just don't like fakery atall . But in light of what you've shared, I'm wondering if even what they are intended to represent would be yet another reason to avoid them.

T2SP also asked:

Is it possible for the mask to be (just) art?




These are very valid questions and one of great significance to me for various reasons.

Paul made a statement that i have always found profound:

1Cr 10:18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?


1Cr 10:19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

1Cr 10:20 But I [say], that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

Masks are made to house the spirit of the deity. It can be described as a temple and almost if not all of the masks are crafted to the likeness of what the spirit actually looks like usually received in trances.

The intent is for the spirit to dwell in there so it has a legal right to automatically come in as it is a commission of itself.

Imagine a statue of Bhudda or a dragon-we all know what they universally represent so they simply cannot be 'art' as they were never created to be 'art' in the first place but instead an entry point for a demon to come through and so that goes for everytime/everywhere the image is made.

Whether a satanist or a christian crafts a statue of a dragon it will house and attract a demonic spirit because essentially when it is being made what is being communicated to the spirit is-come live here.

These objects need to go. Most if not all have a mythical if not ungodly root and connection.

I remember meeting a girl a few years ago who had a chronic problem with masturbation, porn etc She also used to have visitations from a spirit who will initiate sexual advances and it was so strong to the point that she could actually feel something walk in her room and climb on top of her and climax as though she was with a real human being.

Deliverance,fasting etc had yielded nothing-the lord asked me to ask her if she had a picture of a woman in her house. She affirmed that she did-unknowingly in trying to reconnect with her african heritage she had ended up purchasing a picture of one of africa's strongest principality which is a marine spirit that dwells in the sea and is worshipped in many coastal dwellings.

When the Lord revealed that she was stunned but actually realised that whenever she would feel this spirit coming that the picture would start to flap against the wall. She had also ended up buying it after she saw it in a gallery somewhere and was so drawn to it that she simply could not resist the urge to buy it.

There has been a push among the blacks in the diaspora especially in the last 20 years to reconnect with their ancestry-unfortunately i do not believe that this push is always of God afterall how many times have we seen people who go in search of their ancestry going to christian centres/churches in africa and starting off there as their main port of call and from there allowing christians to guide and teach them about culture.

It usually tends to be the opposite way where now if it doesnt involve a shaman on a hill somewhere complete with an initiation rite of the person seeking then their 'search' is not complete.

It is not ironic to me that the centre of this focus and the most widespread are things to do with the Ashanti nation. The ashanti nation as we have it today has a demonic origin which permeates throughout all the customs and artefacts.

There is a how and why behind everything-let us make sure we have full knowledge before we take on anything and if we are not sure it is better to abstain for better to live in peace.....

[this2shallpass]

Masks are made to house the spirit of the deity. It can be described as a temple and almost if not all of the masks are crafted to the likeness of what the spirit actually looks like usually received in trances.

The intent is for the spirit to dwell in there so it has a legal right to automatically come in as it is a commission of itself.

Imagine a statue of Bhudda or a dragon-we all know what they universally represent so they simply cannot be 'art' as they were never created to be 'art' in the first place but instead an entry point for a demon to come through and so that goes for everytime/everywhere the image is made.

Whether a satanist or a christian crafts a statue of a dragon it will house and attract a demonic spirit because essentially when it is being made what is being communicated to the spirit is-come live here.

These objects need to go. Most if not all have a mythical if not ungodly root and connection

I knew that is how you would respond, Beulah. I agree with you. Because of my lack of knowledge about these mask, I cannot say that I have noticed any type of demonic presence. (sometimes ignorance is bliss)

In our bedroom I have a picture hanging on the wall in front of bed. The picture is named "Born Again". It shows a man, who looks very pained, as his flesh is falling from his body. You can see the flesh as it is crumbling down his body from the top downward. As the flesh is falling from his body, the upper part is becoming as a silouette whiteness.

Beneath the title of the of the picture is the verse from 2nd Cor. 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new.

Because of my knowledge of Christ and the Word of God, when I look at this picture (everyday, since it is the first thing I see when I'm in bed) I'm reminded to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh.

If watching Godly art can awaken The Holy Spirt within me, then what you say, can only be turth.

After reading your post last evening, I had to decide what should I do with these mask? Should I pass them on to someone else? I know many who would love to receive them. But, I decided that is not what should be done. I will destroy them.

A few years ago my husband and I visited Jamica. I purchased two statues about three feet tall, and placed one on either side of the fireplace. The statues were of old men, leaning on a kane. I kept them for about 6 month. One day I looked at them, and they seemed to be looking back. I put them in trash bags, wrapped them up in old blankets and took them out to the shed. We have moved from that house, and I don't know where those statues are. I don't know what has become of them.

Thank you for sharing this valuable knowing.

[Nikkol]

Would or could this scripture fall under this category?

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

[keita]

If it's rightly divided, I definitely think so!

[Beulah5]

electladynb said:

Would or could this scripture fall under this category?

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

I would say so although that does not apply to all art.

[keita]

Amen, Bee. That's what i meant by "If it's rightly divided".

[endure4him]

Wow! This was an interesting read. Thanks B for sharing that knowledge with us, one can never be too careful and the saying goes "knowledge is power"

Much love my sisters

[Beulah5]

Much love too...

Any more questions about anything else?

[this2shallpass]

Beulah, I'm not asking you anymore questions, unless it's something 'I really want to know".

Your response to my last question has already cost me about 300-400 dollars. But, since I purchased the mask over a period of time, and not all at once, that did't hurt too much.

After removing the mask, I had to rearrange my art pieces' throughout the house to bring about balance.

The good thing is, after removing the masks, I put more colorful, cheerful art in the family room. Changed the entire atmosphere in the room. Hubby and I spend most of out time in this room and the bedroom (the bedroom has mostly Spiritual decor). He even remarked on the change - the more relaxed environment in the family room. For that, I say thank you.

No more questions for you for a while, unless I'm prepared.

;D