African Mask Bete Nyabwa Mask actual piece w/NFT

This NFT is inspired by the actual physical piece African Mask Bete Nyabwa Mask is in the possession of current NFT creator.

Dimensions: 17"H x 12"W x 8"D

*Any quiestion please contact me before purchase to coordinate the shipping at https://twitter.com/AfurakanGallery

African Art NFTs is located in the U.S. pieces can be shipp anywere in the U.S. if you are out of the U.S. please contact me first to make sure shipping cost and requirements of the postal services.

** African Art NFTs WILL NOT SALE ANY PIECE OUT OF OPENSEA, all pieces are attach to the NFTs**

Bete carvers are renowned for one particular type of face mask, the gre or nyabwa , which has exaggerated, grimacing distorted features – a large protruding mouth, facial protuberances, bulging forehead, elongated nose, with nostrils sometimes extending to each side of the face, and globular or bulging slit eyes set beneath a high- domed forehead carved with a medium ridge. In earlier days, this mask presided over the ceremony held when peace was restored after armed conflicts and it participated in sessions of customary justice. This type of mask was also worn to prepare men for war; the masks offered magical protection by instilling fear and terror inpotential enemies. Nowadays, it is worn for a variety of ceremonies, including entertainment dances.

Religion, omnipresent in Bete life, aims to maintain a harmonious relationship between nature and the ancestors who are responsible for the welfare of the tribe. Today the vast majority still follow their traditional African religion, believing in a creator God Lago, but do not pray to or worship him. Instead they seek help from many lesser spirits supposed to have supernatural power to help them, or give protection--spirits of their ancestors, spirits that inhabit trees, rivers, rocks, etc. They observe many customs and taboos and make sacrifices of eggs, chickens, cows, etc. Each ritual focuses on the maintenance and care of good relations with the world of ancestors, so as to assure the protection of the lineages. The religious cults give rise to numerous mask performances, during the course of which the music assumes fundamental importance. The apprenticeship of male youngsters particularly concentrates on the mastery of these arts. In fact, within a village context the men form into veritable dance societies, membership in which is indispensable.

reference: https://www.randafricanart.com/Bete_guerre.html