El ethnic style in its African aspect It gives us a lot of play when decorating spaces. Especially if we use the well-known African masks, which have a nice style and are usually made of wood. These masks are very decorative and can be a great addition to spice up boring walls.
If you also want add the pretty African masks to the spaces of your home, then discover this inspiration. Sometimes we have talked to you about the African style, its patterns or the small decorative details that are inspired by this continent and that we love.
Why choose African masks
We will be surprised to discover that artists like Picasso were inspired by the original forms of African tribal art to create a new concept of art that would break all molds and revolutionize the art world. Undoubtedly, these African masks are part of the beautiful African craftsmanship and are highly appreciated for their creative shapes and cultural inspirations, both in lines and in colors and materials.
Although today we see these masks as a decorative element, the truth is that these pieces were attributed magical powers. Its bearers were much more powerful, since together with the power of the mask they became another being, from a god to ancestors. It is like a passage between this world and the supernatural whereby the bearers become something else. The masks essentially represent forces more powerful than man, from nature to gods and mythological animals.
It's hard find masks that are authentic, since its value is high, like any handcrafted item, but in stores we find many types of imitations, inspired by the African world. They also serve us to decorate, although of course, they do not have the same value as authentic masks.
African style at home
From the Juju Hats we are more eager to show more African inspiration. It's a kind of style that we can mix ethnic ideas with warm tones, beautiful prints and rustic-style furniture. Mahogany wood or dark tones are used in the furniture. Details are the most important thing in the African style. The colors have to be warm, evoking the savannah, with textiles in which we can add color with the prints. The masks are usually put in two areas. Either on the hanging walls to decorate the spaces, or on a table, with a metal base that keeps them in place.
How to combine the masks
These masks can be combined with various styles. Due to their warm and dark tones, they are usually added in spaces that use light colors on the walls. They can be made of many materials, such as raffia or metal, but usually we will find them in wood. That is why bring a warm touch to spaces. They put the ethnic touch, so they can be added in modern or classic spaces to bring a more informal and exotic style to everything. We do not have to decorate everything with African inspiration in a mandatory way, since most of the time the mixes are much more original.
Types of African masks
When it comes to getting African masks we have to know that there are different types available. On the one hand we have the face masks, which are worn over the face, but there are also the helmet type, which cover the entire head, and those that are worn as a hat. As it is a decorative element, the purpose is irrelevant, but the facial ones are better to put in the area of the walls, since they only have one front part. The helmet ones are used to put on tables and fireplaces, with bases that support them. There are also headdress masks, which are smaller, and shoulder masks, which are the largest. The latter are often used to support the walls, since they look like shields more than masks. Depending on the place where we have to put it, we will choose one or the other.
Where to buy African masks
If we are not looking for something authentic it is easy to find some African inspired masks in department stores, such as Amazon or AliExpress. The qualities may not be the best, but the prices are, so if you are just trying to make a foray into this style it may be a good idea to buy a low cost mask to decorate the home. If we want something more elaborate, we can always go to some markets, since there are stalls with these African-type details. On the other hand, we can look for specialized online stores such as Fruugo and in ethnic or exotic style stores such as Banak. We must say that since it is not an inspiration that is trending right now, it is more difficult to find these elements, even if they are imitation.