Masks have had an extraordinary role in the cultural life of African peoples for thousands of years. Of the approximately one thousand African tribes, there are few who do not create ritual masks. Masks are used to celebrate every spiritual occasion from birth to death.
The mask is one element of a larger cultural context that includes costume, dance and rituals performed for specific events. The dancer using a particular mask assumes the identity of the spirit it represents to communicate its message to the people.
Masks are used in the transmission of societal values and tribal history. In Africa, where there are more than one thousand ethnic and tribal groups, masks of have been used for thousands of years for religious and ceremonial purposes.
Masks play an important role in all ceremonial occasions in African cultures. Masks are most frequently worn in ritual dances and processions. They are also carved into a variety of every-day objects. Masks enhance the relationship between the wearer and the spiritual power represented by the mask. Every major event in the life of the African tribesman is celebrated with masks.
African masks have great spiritual significance. They are crafted not as literal representations of the subject, but are meant to convey spiritual power. Masks are a part of the tribe’s shared beliefs in the ancestral powers that rule the universe and influence their lives. Each African culture has developed a lexicon of mask designs that the artist uses to capture the associated spirit and thus properly convey the story of the mask to the next generation.
The mask is one element of a larger cultural context that includes costume, dance and rituals performed for specific events. The dancer using a particular mask assumes the identity of the spirit it represents to communicate its message to the people.
Masks are used in the transmission of societal values and tribal history. In Africa, where there are more than one thousand ethnic and tribal groups, masks of have been used for thousands of years for religious and ceremonial purposes.
Masks play an important role in all ceremonial occasions in African cultures. Masks are most frequently worn in ritual dances and processions. They are also carved into a variety of every-day objects. Masks enhance the relationship between the wearer and the spiritual power represented by the mask. Every major event in the life of the African tribesman is celebrated with masks.
African masks have great spiritual significance. They are crafted not as literal representations of the subject, but are meant to convey spiritual power. Masks are a part of the tribe’s shared beliefs in the ancestral powers that rule the universe and influence their lives. Each African culture has developed a lexicon of mask designs that the artist uses to capture the associated spirit and thus properly convey the story of the mask to the next generation.