Today, traditional African Art is a recognised art form and it's influence can be seen in the works of western artists like Picasso, and Modigiani and Giacometti, whose work reflect the long thin figures with long facial features which are so representative of African art.

African aesthetics generally have a moral basis, as indicated by the fact that in many African languages the words 'beautiful' and 'good', are the same.

The increasing popularity of African Art is evident from the fact that Sothebys and Christies hold two or three auctions of African Art a year. However, traditional African Art was not made to be sold or collected, but to be used in festivals, rituals and religious ceremonies. Many of the icons, masks or figures are used once only and then discarded. Items like the Bedu mask are said to lose their power once exposed to daylight. Traditional work is inspirational, coming from the soul of the artist and these pieces are much sought after by the serious collector.

Collecting trends constantly change. Unlike the true collector, fashion dictates and trendy people collect for ornamental and decorative purposes. Top of the list, currently, are masks, doors, furniture and cloths.

Namibia, like most of Southern Africa, does not have a masquerading tradition. Because of the drier climate in Southern Africa, the tribesman were mostly herders and moved about with livestock and therefore did not create unnecessary items which would be difficult to carry. They decorated their daily functional utensils - spoons, bowls, stools etc. and made body adornments, like the beautiful Himba necklaces, Ovambo Ekipas and the Bushman Beadwork.