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African masks: types, meanings, history, designs, interesting facts
African masks can be considered one of the greatest works of art in Africa. They are made of different materials, including leather, fabric and different types of wood.
They are a coveted part of the diverse African cultures by art collectors. In fact, some of the most impressive take up space in museums and art galleries around the world.
Masking ceremonies are the best way to witness the glory of African masks. The ceremonies have religious and ceremonial value and may even give the admirer a better insight into the ideas and values that the mask makers express in them.
As mentioned earlier, different tribes in Africa have their own masks and some of these masks are ritual and ceremonial. So they have types, meanings and even things to consider when wearing them.
African Masks History, Meanings
African masks have a varied history. They have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for a long time. The earliest masks are believed to have been made in the Paleolithic. They are believed and still are believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and mythological heroes. It was believed that the work of the African tribal artists who made the African masks was deeply spiritual and that the artists were highly regarded in their societies.
Mourning Masks: These masks are used by Bete and Yoruba, with the main purpose of keeping wizards (feared by Bete) at bay. The Yoruba people believe that the masks embody the spirits of the deceased and that a person wearing such masks can speak to the souls of the dead.
Guro Mask : Made by the native peoples of Ivory Coast who believe the mask represents the spirit of Gu, the wife of a supernatural being.
Punu Mask: Associated with the Gabonese people, this mask is painted white and is said to represent the spirit of the ancestors. The Gabonese people wore it in celebrations and festivals.
Cameroon Mask : Carved from a single piece of wood, the Cameroon mask represents much and much privilege. She is depicted with her mouth open and the mask’s full cheeks.
Ngil Mask: These masks are considered important in Ghana’s history. The Fang tribe used to dress her to initiate new members into the male secret society. With initiation, the persecution of wrongdoers during such ceremonies was also carried out.
Types of African Masks
Face Mask: Face masks are used throughout Africa. They are the most common types of masks and are attached to the face in a variety of ways. This can be a string, a band secured with a scarf, or even held in place by a wig.
Cap Coat of Arms: Worn on the forehead without touching the wearer’s face.
Headdress Masks: They stand on a pedestal that sits on their heads. This type of Maks is best known among the Bambara, who are the largest ethnic group in Mali.
Shoulder Masks: These large and heavy masks sit on the wearer’s shoulders.
Helmet masks: Fit over the entire head and are usually carved from a section of tree trunk.
Helmet Crests: They do not fit over the entire head, but are worn like a hat, leaving the face exposed.
African mask designs
The design of African masks is based on two things; Traditions dictated by social and religious beliefs and the individual vision of the African tribal artist. The designs celebrate abstract qualities such as beauty, courage, mischief and nobility. For these reasons, the designs are characterized by a detailed composition aimed at achieving a symmetrical arrangement of lines, shapes and forms that evokes a sense of these qualities. African masks are also highly textured. Fine details and a high quality finish are highly valued and represent different things. For example, a rough surface can suggest fear, and evil and smooth surfaces beauty and virtue.
The shapes of African masks also play a large role in their design. They can be rectangular, oblong, heart-shaped, oval, circular, or a combination of shapes. Sometimes geometric patterns are used to distinguish male from female masks. For example, complex braided hairstyles often adorn the heads of female masks.
Interesting facts about African masks
- African masks are works of art but made for use. They are used at various ceremonies and social events ranging from weddings to the funeral of a distinguished person.
- Masks likely have a spiritual meaning or it is commonly believed that the person wearing the mask turns into a spirit.
- The making of African masks requires great skill and knowledge of the artist in relation to spiritual matters. Because of this, the spiritual lessons of the masks are often passed down from father to son.
- The masks are constructed with human or animal features or a mixture of both.
- Artists who make African masks are given special status in their communities.
- The masks can be decorated with animal hair, feathers, straw, horns, teeth and shells.
- People who are allowed to wear masks are only a few from the respective tribe. It is a matter of honor and mostly only males or elders in the tribe are given the honor.
- Masks are made of wood, metals (bronze and copper), cloth, stone, and some other materials.
