The African masks
Traditional African masks
Traditional African masks are one of the elements of great African art that have most evidently influenced Europe and Western art in general; in the 20th century, artistic movements such as cubism, fauvism and expressionism have often taken inspiration from the vast and diverse herita…
What is the common material used to make African masks?
In many instances masquerades are forbidden to be seen by certain members of the community. African masks are primarily carved from wood but can also be made of terracotta, glazed pottery, bronze, brass, copper, ivory or leather.
What material can be used to make an Afircan mask?
African masks are interesting in appearance and have unique historical relevance, making them an appropriate project for kids learning about African culture and history -- or even for home decorators looking to create wall decor for African-themed or eclectic rooms. Paper can be used to make simple, but beautiful, African masks.
What was the purpose of African masks?
The Function of an African Mask. Tribal masks are used to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the forces of good and evil. I n the early 20th Century, artists like Pablo Picasso and Andre Derain were inspired by the bold abstract designs that they discovered in African tribal masks. They collected and used these works of art to ...
What are aboriginal masks used for?
Multiple Lesson Periods Directions Aboriginal masks were used for a variety of ceremonies, rituals, dances, and to honor ancient spirits in the culture. Have students examine traditional Aboriginal masks. How are they decorated? What shapes do you recognize? Do the shapes, colors, and designs have special meanings to the Aboriginal people?
What is the purpose of a traditional mask?
Many masks are primarily associated with ceremonies that have religious and social significance or are concerned with funerary customs, fertility rites, or the curing of sickness. Other masks are used on festive occasions or to portray characters in a dramatic performance and in reenactments of mythological events.
Who can wear traditional African masks?
Although masks can represent either male or female figures, all maskers all male. In most African communities, although women are not allowed to wear masks, they still participate in masquerades as audience members.
Are traditional African masks still used today?
African masks are an important part of Africa's ancient tribal traditions, and they are still being made and used today. African tribes believe these masks can provide a vital gateway into the spiritual world when worn during rituals and ceremonies, so they hold a special sacred significance.
What does a mask symbolize?
Masks usually represent supernatural beings, ancestors, and fanciful or imagined figures, and they can also be portraits. The localization of a particular spirit in a specific mask must be considered a highly significant reason for its existence.
What do colors mean on African mask?
Red- Life & blood; Gold- Fortune; Blue- Innocence; Green- The earth and Africa as the mother country; Black- The Unity of the people of Africa -show their understandings of one selected African mask - Brainstorm ideas for creating their own personal masks.
What are the 6 types of African masks?
African Masks MenuBaule Mask.Biombo Mask.Bwa Plank Mask.Dan Mask.Goma Mask.Kota Mask.Kwele Mask.Ligbi Mask.More items...•
Do African masks have spirits?
African Masks Represent Animal Spirits When a wearer puts on an animal mask for a ritualized performance, sometimes accompanied by a full costume, tribespeople believe they then embody the spirit of the animal they represent.
What is the history of African masks?
The existence of African masks can be traced as far back as the Stone Age. For thousands of years, African people have incorporated tribal masks into their cultural ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations. Each of these creations is designed according to the particular traditions of their region.
What does an African mask symbolize?
African masks provide a tangible form for invisible spirits, which are personified as human beings, animals, or fantastic composites of both. Spirits—deities, ancestors, and nature spirits (those that inhabit streams, rivers, rocks, and other natural forms)—get involved in the affairs of people, by invitation or not.
What are the 6 types of African masks?
African Masks MenuBaule Mask.Biombo Mask.Bwa Plank Mask.Dan Mask.Goma Mask.Kota Mask.Kwele Mask.Ligbi Mask.More items...•
What do the patterns on African masks represent?
Parallel, zigzag, cruciform, curved and spiral lines, representing scarification marks or tattoos, are frequently used to adorn the planes of the mask face. These can denote social status or have magical or religious powers.
What is an African mask?
African masks are not simply beautiful artistic objects to be admired. Rather, they are part of a ceremonial costume. They are not meant to represent actual people or even animals. These masks served as a way for people to communicate with the spirit world.
Why are African masks important?
African masks also serve as educational tools, as part of rituals to teach social roles and physical control or to settle disputes. All community members were required to attend Igbo masquerades in Nigeria, where the masked individuals would approach people and tell them the bad behavior they engaged in.
Why do Dogon wear Kanaga masks?
The Kanaga mask is a funerary mask worn by the Dogon people of Mali intended to ensure the safe passage of the deceased to the otherworld where his ancestors are. (2)
What mask did the priest wear?
A priest wore a mask of the jackal-god Anubis mask during funerary rituals, which are depicted in Egyptian art. Two such masks also survive. One is a light wooden mask that would have sat on top of the head but the other is a clay helmet that weighs a whopping 17 pounds!
What happens when a mask wearer puts on his identity?
When the mask wearer puts on the mask, his identity is taken over by the spirit represented by the mask. People are not even allowed to speak the name of the mask wearer because he is subsumed in the mask spirit's identity.
What were funerary masks placed on?
Throughout ancient Egyptian history, funerary masks of lesser artistic quality were placed on mummies of common people.
What does a mask represent?
Some are very small, some are life-size, and others are gigantic. Some masks represent animals, either in their form or by incorporating actual parts of animals into their production. Others represent male or female figures. Those that represent women generally take on an idealized view of female beauty.
What is the history of African masks?
Traditional African Mask History (With Images) | Paxton Visuals. The use of African masks in rituals and ceremonies is one of the main characteristics of African peoples ‘ culture. It is believed that before the Paleolithic era, the earliest masks were used in Africa.
What is the African mask art style?
Animals are often the African mask art style. These depict an animal’s spirit, and one that wears the mask becomes the animal itself that makes contact with that creature, such as telling animals to stay away from the village. An animal is a sign of virtue in other instances.
Why is the African Mask Maker considered a family art?
The African Mask maker has one of the higher ranks in the village because he is thought to have contact with a spirit world, and making masks is a family art.
What animals are represented by masks?
The most common animals that are represented with masks are buffalo, hyena, hawk, crocodile, and antelope. Antelope is one of the animal masks that are most commonly used. This symbolizes agriculture and is worn to make better crops possible.
What is a Japanese mask?
Traditional Japanese Masks. Mask is worn by a dancer who becomes a “bearer” of the mask’s spirit, a kind of medium between both the tribe and a spirit. With particular music and dance, this trance-like experience is achieved. Celebrations such as marriages, rites of initiation, and funerals have an African masked dance.
What does a mask with a chin mean?
Mask with a prominent chin reflects strength and power. For African masks, one more trend is the female face rendered by feminine beauty ideal. While some tribes ‘ masks have breasts and ornamental bruises, some have almond-shaped eyes, long eyelashes, slender chin, and jewelry.
What is a tribal mask?
Tribal masks are used to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the forces of good and evil. I n the early 20th Century, artists like Pablo Picasso and Andre Derain were inspired by the bold abstract designs that they discovered in African tribal masks.
Why are frican masks important?
They are used in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the good and evil forces in the community. They come to life, possessed by their spirit in the performance of the dance, and are enhanced by the music, color and atmosphere of the occasion. Some combine human and animal features to unite man with his natural environment. This bond with nature and the spirit world is of great importance to many tribal cultures and through the ages masks have always been used to express this relationship.
Why are shamans used in religious events?
They are used in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the good and evil forces in the community. They come to life, possessed by their spirit in the performance of the dance, and are enhanced by the music, color and atmosphere of the occasion.
What is an African mask?
African mask. A mask is a covering for the face or the head. In many cultures, masks are an important part of traditional rituals. For thousands of years, African peoples have used masks in ceremonies. Every African mask is unique.
What do African masks represent?
Each mask tells a different story. The shapes, colors, and sizes of African masks have special meanings for different cultures. Masks that represent animals are popular. For example, the Bwa and Nuna peoples in Burkina Faso make crocodile, eagle, and buffalo masks.
What type of mask is worn in Africa?
There are many types of masks in Africa. One type of mask covers the face. Another type looks like a helmet that covers the entire head. Still another type is worn on top of the head, like a flat hat. Each mask tells a different story.
What materials are used to make African masks?
Artists use various materials to make African masks. Leather, metal, fabric, and wood are the most common. Artists often decorate the masks with paint, shells, glass, fibers, horns, or other items. African masks are shown in museums and galleries all over the world.
What do masked dancers do?
Masked dancers often participate in ceremonies that include songs and prayers. Different ceremonies honor children’s coming of age, harvests, funerals, and other events. The person who wears the mask knows exactly what he or she must do. There are many types of masks in Africa. One type of mask covers the face.
What are the decorations on African masks?
Decorations on African masks range from simple to elaborate. Some are decorated with paint, carved surfaces, or adorned with materials like shells and feathers. Others are carved of wood but with the surface left plain. Many African masks are highly stylized with geometric patterns on their surfaces.
Why are masks important in African culture?
They might serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies to ensure a good harvest, address tribal needs in time of peace or war , or convey spiritual presences in initiation rituals or burial ceremonies. Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors.
What does a mask represent?
Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors. Other symbolize totem animals, creatures important to a certain family or group. In some cultures, like the Kuba culture of Zaire, masks represent specific figures in tribal mythology, like a king or a rival to the ruler.
What are the different types of masks?
There are three basic types of masks, categorized for how they fit on the head and face. One type of mask covers the face , much like old-fashioned plastic Halloween masks familiar to us. Another form is called a helmet mask, which are shaped like a large helmet, cover the entire head.
Why do people wear masks?
People use masks for many reasons. For fun, concealment, and to celebrate holidays , like Halloween and Mardi Gras. But in some places, masks are important cultural objects. This is certainly true of African masks. African masks are made by cultures and tribes found throughout the vast African continent.
Where do African masks live?
They live in parts of Ghana and the Ivory Coast. These masks, adorned with horns that symbolize power and strength, are used for a specific type of dance. So now you know a little bit more about the meaning of African masks and some of the designs that used in their creation.
Who wears the mask?
Usually, the mask is worn by a dancer or participant in the process rather than a spectator. Some masks are worn by men, while others by women. Some forms are worn by both genders. In general, masks tend to represent spirits or beings important to the ritual in which the mask in used.
What are the most common masks in Africa?
Here are some of the basic types of tribal masks you would find in Africa. • Face mask – The face mask is the most common type of mask. They are crafted in such a way that they cover a part or the whole face. Face masks are securely fitted to the wearer’s face via strings, scarves or bands.
What is a face mask?
Face masks are securely fitted to the wearer’s face via strings, scarves or bands. • Forehead masks – Forehead masks are created to just sit on the wearer’s forehead, like a cap crest. Sometimes, the masks may come with a veil made of fabric to cover the face, and in other cases, the face is left exposed.
What is the color of the Lulua mask?
The are carved out of wood and dyed with a red pigment to give the mask a rich dark red colour . The top of the mask features the stubs symbolizing power and the hairstyle of the Lulua women which usually have a pointy end.
What is the Lwalwa mask made of?
Lwalwa masks are carved out of a special wood called ‘mulela’ and dyed with a pigment extracted from the fruit of the ‘mukula’ tree. The masks are worn in the bangongo dance of the hunting ritual and during the initiation and circumcision ceremony of adolescent boys and other secular festivities.
What is a biombo mask?
The mask is used to celebrate age and beauty and is often worn at the funerals of women during the season of harvest. 2. Biombo masks. The Biombo are populated in a region south of the intersection of the Kasai and Lulua rivers in the Congo.
Where are the Lwalwa masks from?
The Lwalwa are related to the Lulua people, and they occupy the southwest region of the Congo spreading into Angola. The masks carvers in the community are highly revered members of the society. The typical Lwalwa mask has a distinctive triangular shaped head, small rectangular eyes, a large nose extending from a deeply formed forehead, big protruding lips with a protuberance on each side of the temple that make the ears. The stylized facial features come together to give the mask an almost geometric appearance.
What is the ritual of the Ekuk mask?
To protect the community from the influence of witchcraft, they performed a sacred week long ritual known as ‘beete.’ This ritual involves masked performances with the Ekuk masks which means “children of beete” and “protective forest spirit.” This ritual cleanses the community and reinforces unity.
Why are African masks important?
Although African masking ceremonies are not as commonplace in Africa as they once were, African masks are still looked at as an important part of African culture and history and are still used in important rituals and celebrations.
What is the treatment for African masks?
Once the African mask is complete the African mask is usually treated with vegetable oil.
Why are African masks forbidden?
One culture may forbid the use of a particular tree because its wood is thought to possess harmful qualities and could become part of anything made from it, sapping the power from the image carved.
What is an African mask sculpture?
A sculpture of a African mask is not merely carving an object he is perpetuating the beliefs of his people. During the course of his work the unfinished piece must be kept out of sight or some of its power can be taken.
Who accompanies the wearer of the mask?
A wise man or translator sometimes accompanies the wearer of the mask during the ritual. The dancer brings forth messages of wisdom from his ancestors. Often the messages are grunted utterances and the translator will accurately decipher the meaning of the message.
Where were masks made?
They are made from wood, pottery, textiles, copper and bronze.
Why are African masks important?
Significance of African Masks. The African masks are generally used to represent the spirit of ancestors, deities and mythological creatures. Masks are worn during different ceremonies by dancers to represent these spirits and deities.
What is the history of African masks?
Home / Uncategorized / The History of African Masks You May Have Never Heard Of. Masks were an important part of the tradition of different African tribes. These masks were associated with different kinds of rituals and ceremonies and were an integral part of the tribal culture.
Why did the Fang wear the Ngil mask?
People from the ‘Fang’ tribe used to wear the Ngil Mask. This mask was used to initiate new members into the male secret society. Along with initiation, the persecution of wrongdoers was also carried out during such ceremonies. The Fang people indulged into hunting and agriculture.
What is the speciality of the Coon Mask?
Specialty of the Coon Mask is that it is hand-painted. • Nowadays, the ceremonies associated with masks are not followed with the same fervor and enthusiasm as in olden times. The influence of different cultures, colonialism, civil wars, slave trade, etc. have altered the social fabric of Africa.
What is the mask of the Mitsogo?
The Mitsogo Mask is characterized by a whitened face. The mouth, ears and nose are colored reddish-brown. The Mitsogo people to whom this mask belongs come from the mountainous regions of central Gabon. Ancestors of the Mitsogo people were the residents of northern Gabon.
What are African masks made of?
Quick Fact! The African masks are made of wood. The piece of wood used for making a mask is first allowed to dry. If the wood cracks, it is not considered suitable for making masks. A tool called ‘azde’ is used for sculpting the wooden masks. The history of African masks can be traced back to Paleolithic times.
Why do people wear funeral masks?
The Yoruba people of Nigeria believed that Funeral Masks embodied the spirit of the deceased ones. They also believed that a person wearing such masks could speak to the souls of the dead.
Overview
Traditional African masks play an important role in certain traditional African rituals and ceremonies.
Masks serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies with varied purposes like ensuring a good harvest, addressing tribal needs in times of peace or war, or conveying spiritual presences in initiation rituals or burial ceremonies. Some m…
Subject and style
African masks are usually shaped after a human face or some animal's muzzle, albeit rendered in a sometimes highly abstract form. The inherent lack of realism in African masks (and African art in general) is justified by the fact that most African cultures clearly distinguish the essence of a subject from its looks, the former, rather than the latter, being the actual subject of artistic representation…
Materials and structure
The most commonly used material for masks is wood, although a wide variety of other elements can be used, including light stone such as steatite, metals such as copper or bronze, different types of fabric, pottery, and more. Some masks are painted (for example using ochre or other natural colorants). A wide array of ornamental items can be applied to the mask surface; examples include animal
Commercially produced masks
As African masks are largely appropriated by Europeans, they are widely commercialized and sold in most tourist-oriented markets and shops in Africa (as well as "ethnic" shops in the Western world). As a consequence, the traditional art of mask-making has gradually ceased to be a privileged, status-related practice, and mass production of masks has become widespread. While, in most cases, commercial masks are (more or less faithful) reproductions of traditional masks, t…
See also
• Tribal art
• African art
• African sculpture
• Picasso's African Period
• FESTIMA, a festival celebrating traditional masks
Notes
1. ^ This idea has been literally portrayed in the well-known novel Things Fall Apart by Nigerian writer Chief Chinua Achebe. While the author hints at the importance of the masks themselves in the same novel, masked elders are particularly hostile towards the missionaries, a symbolic representation of the opposition of traditional Nigerian culture (as represented by the mask-spirits) and the new values brought along by European Christians.
External links
• Genesis: ideas of origin in African sculpture, an exhibition catalog from The Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries (fully available online as PDF), which contains material on African masks
• For spirits and kings: African art from the Paul and Ruth Tishman collection, an exhibition catalog
• The Metropolitan Museum of Art Libraries (fully available online as PDF), which contains material on African masks