Collecting African Tribal Art : Spiritual Energy of African Tribal Art

Plants typically absorb sunlight and convert the energy through photosynthesis to usable chemical energy while releasing oxygen. Humans convert food into chemical energy to support physical processes in the body. The physical process is part of an entire interconnected and balanced ecosystem. Beyond this however the human species possesses the faculty to create, comprehend and develop logic. This abstraction is the module within which the ‘African Tribal Spirit’ has been isolated and developed into a potent source of motivation, moderation, projection, control and self development. The purpose of the African Tribal Art in the ‘religious or protective’ (versus utilitarian) sense is to stimulate conditioned mechanisms via either an individual or on a collective basis, within the larger framework of a village or community.

Let’s take a look at a couple examples.

Bwa : Butterfly Mask
Wheelock Cat #139

This mask is attributed to the Bwa in Boni and Dossi. It represents “the butterflies that metamorphose and rise in clouds around the pools of water left by the first rains of spring. These masses of butterflies are a manifestation of the power of new life and the awesome power of the blessings of ‘God’…. This particular style [referring to a straight protuberance versus a hooked beak] , very long and decorated with a linear series of nested circles, is the only style correctly spoken of as a ‘butterfly’ or, more accurately, a spirit that takes this butterfly form.” The use of this mask in a ritual masquerade reinforces common ideals of beauty and respect for the environment held by the community. It may also play a part in developing the framework of a benevolent God-figure. On an individual level it may also act as a trigger in remembering an occasion where one may have witnessed a rabble of butterflies. This process is the ‘African Tribal Spirit’ – the mask itself while treasured and appreciated is not necessarily deified.

Buffalo Helmet
Private Collection

Toussian – Kable Helmet
Buffalo Helmets [Constantine Petrides]

The article (see link above) says “As a result of the animal’s cultural connotations, buffalo imagery is prevalent in the arts of many sub-Saharan cultures. Its behavior and anatomy have served as a special source of inspiration in many of the subcontinent’s masquerades. In Central Africa, in addition to the realistically rendered depictions of buffalo heads in the helmets of Tabwa people, one finds a large number of carved buffalo heads especially among the so-called Kwango cultural complex in southwestern Congo – including Yaka, Sulu, Pende, and Holo (see Bourgeois 1991).”

The Spiritual energy of African Tribal art is not limited to the imagery of animals but can also be established via behaviors, ideals (discipline, bravery, moderation of aggression) and the intangible framework of a specified cosmological framework, eg. Ikenga, and Egungun from the Igbo and Yoruba peoples respectively.

Collecting African Tribal Art : Symbiotic relations, Logic and being Gracious.

This post explores various reflections around a single relation reflected in the Tussian Helmet mask. This is the relation between the buffalo and the egret. I remember as a young boy asking my mom about the egrets standing tall and silent on cattle feeding in an abandoned golf course. The abstraction of the buffalo in the mask typically reflects this and shows one or two egrets standing atop the mask (Kablé). In reality the egrets feed on insects disturbed by the movement of buffalo or cattle through the muddy grassland (commensalism). Occasionally the egrets also feed on parasitic ticks and insects which can harm the buffalo (mutualism).

Northern Tussian or Siemu, Burkina Faso
Wood, fabric; h. 21¼”,
Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal, Netherlands

Symbiotic relations refer to interactions between different species that live in close proximity, where their lives are intertwined. These relationships can be categorized into mutualism, where both parties benefit, commensalism, where one benefits without affecting the other significantly, and parasitism, where one benefits at the expense of the other. These dynamics are not exclusive to the natural world and can be observed in various human interactions and partnerships. In human relations, a mentorship could be mutualistic, where both gain knowledge, while a one-sided friendship might be commensal, benefiting one more than the other.

The relationship between the egret and the water buffalo is a classic example of mutualism. The egret benefits by feeding on insects stirred up by the buffalo’s movement, while the buffalo gets relief from pests. This mirrors mutualistic human relations, like collaborative work where both parties gain. Commensalism could be seen in situations where one person benefits from a friendship, like emotional support, without directly impacting the other’s well-being. Commensalism can also be everyday transitory interactions such as giving up a plane seat or a bus seat for a fellow passenger.

The actualization of the relation is quite separate from simply having an understanding of the logical differences in definition. There are many times when a person needs to tap into a fountain of graciousness and anticipation before a non-negative symbiotic relation can be initiated. In our modern world initial discussions center around ‘alphaspeak’, first impressions, stereotypes or the laying of a framework to determine who is technically right or wrong about a particular topic. In muddied semi toxic environments it is easy to lose the path to commensalism or mutualism. The example of the relation between the powerful buffalo and the egret does not simply encourage the development of natural attributes but also promotes the development of positive social and cultural values.

Collecting African Tribal Art : Haunted by the Tussian helmet.

In 2015 I did an interpretive blog post on the Tussian and Siemu representation of the ‘buffalo’ helmet masks (Kablé). The headdress is related to initiation into the powerful Dó association and is central to spiritual and social practices of Tussian culture in Burkina Faso. Each helmet is topped with any of a variety of animals associated with guardian spirits. Here’s a great article and overview of the Tussian helmet mask.

Senufo Headdress – Geoffrey Holder provenance (2016)

In 2016 I tapped out on the Senufo helmet mask (above) with a Geoffrey Holder provenance – I was pretty disappointed.

Tussian Buffalo Helmet – Kablé

Fast forward to 2023 and I finally pick up (to my relief) my first Tussian helmet mask. It’s been a tough 8 years but the wait and the stress leading up to the auction was worth it.

There were mixed emotions because the piece was presented at a small auction for a couple who were downsizing. The sale didn’t have the full reach that it could have if it had made it to LiveAuctioneers or a major auction house and the description of African tribal art pieces is easier to determine with the use of Google lens (for example). Trust and believe there are really good pieces out there. Just be patient, continue looking and keep doing diligent research!!