Headdress: (A good example would be one from the Ekhoi tribe now classified as part of Elagham Nigeria see image to the left) Artists carve cephalomorphic and zoomorphic mask. The headdress and masks are covered with antelope skin this is one of the main characteristics associated with this tribe. The basket at the base is the shape of the top portion of the head. The costume is normally made of plant fiber and or raffia and covers the entire body of the mask bearer.
Face mask: this is the most common type found throughout Africa (see sample image to the right: Chokwe tribe). The mask covers the face and has holes along the side. Before the wearer dons the costume his assistants will rub his/her body with a covering of natural oil, this serve as protection against evil spirits. The mask is then placed over the face and attached to the head opening of the costume. Thereafter a skirt made of vegetable fibers is attached around the waist. In some instances the entire body is covered with fiber or raffia. View the catalog here and the history of the Chokwe here
Horizontal plank mask: Bwa tribe Burkino Faso, (see sample image to the right) these types of masks is worn on top of the head and it resembles an owl or bird in flight. The underside is carved to the shape of the head. View the catalog here
Helmet Masks is carved from a solid piece of tree trunk, it is hollowed to fit over the head and with carved out openings for the eyes, mouth and nose. This type of mask is commonly found among the Sande - Liberia and the Mende - Sierra Leone.
Body or Belly Mask (see image to the left) from the Makonde tribe, Southeastern Tanzania. Carved from a solid tree trunk the hollow fits to the fron of the body. The mask is normally part of the costume of a Ndimu masker and are normally worn by a male masquerader together with a matching face mask.
Face mask: this is the most common type found throughout Africa (see sample image to the right: Chokwe tribe). The mask covers the face and has holes along the side. Before the wearer dons the costume his assistants will rub his/her body with a covering of natural oil, this serve as protection against evil spirits. The mask is then placed over the face and attached to the head opening of the costume. Thereafter a skirt made of vegetable fibers is attached around the waist. In some instances the entire body is covered with fiber or raffia. View the catalog here and the history of the Chokwe here
Horizontal plank mask: Bwa tribe Burkino Faso, (see sample image to the right) these types of masks is worn on top of the head and it resembles an owl or bird in flight. The underside is carved to the shape of the head. View the catalog here
Helmet Masks is carved from a solid piece of tree trunk, it is hollowed to fit over the head and with carved out openings for the eyes, mouth and nose. This type of mask is commonly found among the Sande - Liberia and the Mende - Sierra Leone.
Body or Belly Mask (see image to the left) from the Makonde tribe, Southeastern Tanzania. Carved from a solid tree trunk the hollow fits to the fron of the body. The mask is normally part of the costume of a Ndimu masker and are normally worn by a male masquerader together with a matching face mask.