Many modern day Africans make the arts a part of their everyday lives to try and preserve the history of Africa. They also want to preserve the memory of their ancestors. Folktales, oral tradition, music and mask making are all things that help preserve the history of Africa.

Mask making is one of the major arts that help preserve African history. The artist in mask making holds a respected position in African tribal society. It is their job to provide various masks for use in social and religious ceremonies. In the ceremonies the masks represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the good and evil forces in the community. They say the masks come to life. They are possessed by their spirit in the performance of the dance, and are enhanced by the music and atmosphere of the occasion. Some masks are a bond between human and animal. This is of great importance to the Africans, to express their relationship between both.

Another way to preserve African history is through folktales. It is said that they are preserving the African roots of Africans in many folktales. Folktales had a vital role in African society because it is a different projection of reality and fantasy that the folktale becomes believable and enticing. The successes of the folktale is therefore proven when the people who are listening do not ask anymore the reason why or question the event, but accept it with no reservation and become part of it.

The last thing that helps preserve African history is music and oral tradition. African music is one of the many powerful contributions to the society and entire world culture. People say that African music is an oral tradition. In the African language, tones indicate meaning. The same holds true in singing. There are many types of instruments used in African music, but the most common is body percussion. Popular body percussions are hand clapping or foot stamping. Even though traditional African music is decreasing because of urbanization, many African countries still hold tight to their traditional cultures.

As you can see many modern day Africans make their arts an everyday thing in their lives. Folktales, oral tradition, music and mask making are all things that help preserve their ancient culture. It is very hard for them to try and preserve these traditions because of all the technology and urbanization that is moving into Africa, but they are doing their best to keep them alive and well.

http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/context/artist.htm

http://www.allofafrica.com/search.asp?category=Myths%20and%20Folktales&parent=Arts