101. African Mask Symbolism African cultures have perhaps the richest mask traditions. This mask isbelieved to have been commissioned by a king of benin in memory of his mother. http://ohoh.essortment.com/africamasks_rnqe.htm

African mask symbolism African masks are unique to each tribe and their shape and accessories have special meanings for the different cultures. Masks have been used by the world's diverse cultures for centuries. The ancient Greek actors used masks for special theatrical representations. Eighteenth century Europeans frequented masked balls where the masks were elaborately decorated with beads and feathers. The Chinese still use masks in their traditional dances. African cultures have perhaps the richest mask traditions. In African societies masks are used for funeral ceremonies and harvest dances. They figure prominently in the right of passages for young men, and have become a source of pride in modern-day celebrations. Masks are unique to each specific African society and their shape and accessories have special meanings for the different cultures. One of the most abundant types of masks among African cultures is the animal representation. Animal masks connect people with the spirit world that traditional African beliefs say inhabit the forests and open savannas. The Bwa and Nuna people of Burkina Faso call on the spirits to ward off destruction. Crocodiles, hawks and buffalo are the most frequently carved animal masks. Masked dances are held on market day, during initiations and at funerals to honor the spirits and evoke their blessings. The Nuna hawk mask carvers used an animal-like snout to distinguish it from the hawk mask of the nearby Bwa, who use a distinctly rounded mouth. The wings of both are carved with geometric patterns to represent moral principles. The zigzag lines refer to the often-difficult path of their ancestors. The checkerboard patterns show the forces of polar opposites such as light and dark, knowledge and ignorance, and men and women.

102. Land Tours Homepage Ghana, Togo, benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali are the exciting destinations we You will experience the rhythm of cultural drumming and African dancing. http://www.landtours.com/

The Ultimate West African Experience Land Tours Ghana Ltd. Akwaaba! Welcome to Ghana- We invite you to join us on an unforgettable journey into West Africa with its ancient civilizations, traditions, festivals, culture. Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali are the exciting destinations we offer, be it a study tour, ecotourism, African heritage and culture or sea and sun relaxation. From the festivals of the Ashanti people to the markets of Accra, from virgin beaches to the castles and slave dungeons of the colonial coastal cities, you will find unique African arts and crafts. Those who love nature will enjoy ecotourism parks, forest reserves, wildlife and Parc W safaris. You will experience the rhythm of cultural drumming and African dancing. With Land Tours your travel arrangements will be expertly managed and your understanding of Africa will be expanded. Our tour guides will always be on hand to give you all the information and assistance you need to make your visit to Africa a great experience. Home Tours Contact Us Maps ... Solar Eclipse 2006

103. African Royalty Demands Return Of Ancient Stolen Treasures African royalty demands return of ancient stolen treasures It is importantfor the cultural heritage of benin to return the bronzes. http://www.blink.org.uk/print.asp?key=3116

104. The Colonial Encounter of two African colonies, Dahomey (now the state of benin) and Algeria. The representation of these two cultures is considered in the context of the http://www.roland-collection.com/rolandcollection/section/3/87.htm

Text Search Automatic translation by Systran The Colonial Encounter This title is no longer available from the Roland Collection. Details remain on this site for the reference of previous customers. Past and Present Ways of Representing and Categorizing the Culture of Ex-French Colonies in Africa Availability This title is no longer available from the Roland Collection Additional information Order number: 87 Credits Director Nick Levinson Presenter Annie Coombes Open University/BBC 25 minutes Color Recommended audience age range 18-adult sales@roland-collection.co.uk The Roland Collection

105. Inside Voodoo: African Cult Of Twins Marks Voodoo New Year He notes that some cultures view twins as symbols of imbalance. But here inBenin, twins here are viewed as two halves of the same soul, he said. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/02/0211_040211_twincult.html

Site Index Subscribe Shop Search Top 15 Most Popular Stories NEWS Front Page Environment Health Offbeat ... Video in the News SPECIAL SERIES The Genographic Project Pulse of the Planet National Geographic Channel RESOURCES (What's this?) Contact Us Front Page Research Inside Voodoo: African Cult of Twins Marks Voodoo New Year Lorne Matalon in Bouche du Roi, Benin for National Geographic News February 11, 2004 View a Voodoo Photo Gallery by Chris Rainier: Go >> Reporter Lorne Matalon's African assignment was part of the National Geographic Society's ongoing Ethnosphere Project, a five-year series of expeditions to study cultural diversity. Watch for related coverage on the National Geographic Channel , and tune in to National Public Radio's Morning Edition this week for related broadcasts on Radio Expeditions on National Public Radio (NPR). A 38-year-old subsistence farmer, Koffi Ameko lives with his wife and four children along the Mono River in Benin, West Africa. Together with the 20 families of his small village, Ameko shares a genetic predisposition to produce twins and a fervent belief in their special place in the vodun, or voodoo, religion. Like other indigenous peoples in this part of West Africa, Ameko, a devout follower of voodoo, believes twins are living deities that symbolize fertility. He worships them as a member of what is known as the Cult of the Twins.

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