Question

Why might a craft or other three-dimensional object, such as an African mask or fine porcelain, not be understood as an isolated piece in a museum? How might people gain a deeper insight into these objects?

Answer 1

African masks which weren't made for the tourist trade are religious objects and were made for certain ceremonies. Without knowing something about the culture and purpose for which the mask was made it can not be understood.
Not sure about fine porcelain, except that it may have meant to be used or it may have meant for display.

Answer 2

African masks symbolize the diversity of cultural manifestations in many peoples of the continent. They are used in initiation or passage rituals, religious ceremonies, funerals, among other events of vital importance to these societies. They are at the epicenter of identifying peoples with their ancestors and traditions, having meanings that go beyond the boundary of their aesthetic value. In this article, I will briefly analyze three spheres - which complement each other, it is good to emphasize - which seek to interpret the concepts and meanings of the uses of masks, namely: spiritual, theatrical and political.