African masks show a piece of history
African culture shown through ceremonial masks and relics passed down for generations are on display this month at the Spartanburg Art Museum.
Dozens of pieces used for everything from celebrating boys growing into adulthood to honoring dead ancestors make up the exhibit. Some were made by talented artists who used intricate details and adorned the masks with shells, feathers, hair, raffia and other natural materials.
More than a hundred years spanning from the late 1800s to the 1950s are included in the exhibit "Faces of Africa: Masks and Reliquary Figures from the Collection of James Mendes." The exhibit will be on display through June 26.
"As an art museum, we are showing them as art, but they are indicative of people's culture," said Karl H. Hollander, museum executive director. "Form follows function, and these were developed because of the function."
Six tribes from Western and Central Africa are represented in the collection. Viewers will be able to browse easily through the sections, but take time to make sure you take in the culture and history behind the artwork. Every shell, fabric and ornament has a special meaning.
Some masks and figures have what appears to be strange features and facial expressions, but the look reflects the purpose or ceremony they were used in.
Museum visitors will see a large collection of masks made by the Mende women in Western Africa. Most of the masks have softer features than other masks and were used for a variety of events. Hollander said the set is unique because men usually make the masks.
"Viewers should look for the slits in the masks because they were made for the eyes," he said. "You can also see a change in the color on the inside of some of the masks. The discoloration comes from the oil in the person's skin who wore the masks."
Royal masks
Another section shows a set of masks worn by the royal family of the Kuba tribe in the Southeastern Congo (Zaire). These pieces are more colorful and ornamental than the average masks, indicating the wearers had a high social status. The largest mask was worn by the king, and the smaller ones were worn by the queen and other family members.
"One of my favorite pieces is the Kuba king mask," said Rene Fonteneou, Mendes' mother. "It is so artistic, you don't have to like African art to enjoy it. It is a beautiful piece."
Fonteneou said her son began collecting art 15 years ago when he was in the Army stationed in Germany. She said he became interested in wood carving and then African art. He is now retired from the military and continues to collect art.
"It is about the wood, and most African art is made of wood," she said. "We have a family story because for the most part we haven't lived close together. He (Mendes) would call me three or four times a week to tell me about what piece he found. I told him talking to him was like taking a course in African art."
The two largest pieces on exhibit are male and female carved figures from the Baule tribe in Ivory Coast. The sculptures represent the origin of the tribe or the first ancestors. Communities and villages use the almost life-like sculptures as protectors to ward off evil spirits.
"People need to keep in mind African art is not about aesthetics or shares the Eurocentric concept of aesthetics and beauty," said artist Winston Wingo. "Many of the masks in the exhibit are performance-based because they were designed to be worn during specific ceremonies."
Wingo, an art teacher at Carver Junior High School, has taught African art at Converse College and the University of South Carolina Upstate. He said museum visitors may not realize it, but African art influenced famous artists such as Pablo Picasso and influenced modern art.
"African art has a certain presence about it," he said. "It expresses spirituality. I hope people will come out and see this show because it is rare to see such an outstanding collection of African art in this region. You usually have to travel to other major cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte and New York."
What: “Faces from Africa: Masks and Reliquary Figures From the Collection of James Mendes” When: Through June 26 Where: Spartanburg Art Museum in the Chapman Cultural Center, 200 E. St. John St. Museum hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday Cost: $4 for adults, $3 for military and senior citizens, $2.50 for college students, $2 for youth through high school and free for ages 5 and younger.