What African tribes wore masks?
There are a number of tribes in the Ivory Coast who are prolific at mask making for aesthetic as well as ritualistic purposes, most notably the Baule, Guro, Senufo, Dan and Yaure.
What do the African masks represent?
African masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the wearer. Ritual ceremonies generally depict deities, spirits of ancestors, mythological beings, good and or evil, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings believed to have power over humanity.
What were the three kinds of African masks?
The traditional religion of the Dogon people of Mali, for example, comprises three main cults (the Awa or cult of the dead, the Bini or cult of the communication with the spirits, and the Lebe or cult of nature); each of these has its pantheon of spirits, corresponding to 78 different types of masks overall.
Where do African masks originated from?
Almost all peoples have used masks to disguise themselves. Prehistoric rock paintings suggest that masking may have been part of magico-religious ceremonies. An image of an African mask first appeared in the central Sahara thousands of years ago.
What are Africa mask called?
This type of African mask is a Baule mask which is also known as a Goli mask. It is used in tribal dances during harvest festivals, in processions to honour distinguished visitors and at the funerals of important figures.
What is a Pende mask?
Pende masks, made in a realistic style, are among the most dramatic works of all African art. Like the Yaka, small Pende masks fit over the head, helmet-style. The mask is later cast aside and replaced by a small ivory duplicate, worn as a charm against misfortune and as a symbol of manhood.
What are African masks made from?
African masks are considered to be one of the most admired and well-known art forms in Africa. There are many different materials used to make African masks such as: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. However, the most popular material used to make African masks is wood.
Why do African tribes wear masks?
For African tribes, the power of the African mask lies in its creation. Masks are created for a reason such as to insure fertile crops and asking for the rain, the more important the reason to a society, the more powerful the mask.
What are facts about African masks?
The Baule people carve African masks to be worn while dancing during harvest festivals. The mask’s round shape is a reminder of the Sun, the source of all life. These people respect the tremendous power possessed by the water buffalo which is represented by the horns carved into the top of the mask.
What are African tribal masks?
Tribal African masks are used for various different reasons, depending on cultural and religious beliefs, the part of Africa they come from and the materials available to create them. The Bwa and Nuna tribes of Burkina Faso use tribal African masks to stop evil by calling on the spirits for help and guidance.
What is the meaning behind African masks?
African masks have a rich varied history. They have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for a long time. It is believed that the earliest masks originated during the Paleolithic era . They were and still are believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and mythological heroes.