African masks are arguably the most well-known artefacts or handicrafts from the African continent. They are offered for sale in many museums, art galleries and also handicrafts. Masks have held a very special place in African cultures since ancient times. Despite their timeless existence, many people are unfamiliar with the crafting items. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about African masks.
1. Symbolic value
Many people, especially those not so familiar with African masks, place particular emphasis on face value and aesthetic value. However, in the real environment, the symbolic value of the mask is more valuable and valued compared to the face or monetary value. A beautiful and well-made mask may have less value than an odd or less appealing one.
2. Carved only by certain sculptors
The African masks were carved by a certain group of people. In fact, the number of sculptors was limited to family lines. A person who did the activity was also a respected person and had a high position in society. In many cultures, the molding of some masks required special permission from the village elders, chief or king.
3. Ability passed from one generation to the next
The skill or knowledge of carving the mask was never taught in school or in any social group. It was learned through teaching. In most cases, the ability stayed in the same family or clan. This was done to ensure that knowledge and culture were not eroded or lost as cultural changes took place.
4. Specific to the function
Despite the masks coming in all shapes, shapes, sizes, colors and materials all have a symbolic meaning. Each mask could only be worn at a specific time or season. In many cultures, wearing it in the wrong place was considered taboo. There are masks for rituals, wedding ceremonies, the coronation of a king or chief, spiritualism, war and more.
5. Spirituality was the focus
The art forms were created as a means of calming the spirits. A spiritual leader, rainmaker, traditional healer, magician or cult leader always had a special mask. During the ritual, he wore one and hung one on the shrine. Any other member was strictly forbidden to touch the mask. Bringing one into contact required special purification rituals and also entailed harsh penalties.
6. Dominant shape
A closer look shows that the different mask parts always have a similar shape. This is despite the fact that they come from different cultures that are widespread in Africa. The most common are narrow and oval masks. It’s pretty hard to find an art form with a circular, oblong, or square shape.
7. Abstract Art and Realism – Animal Masks
Rarely will you find a simple mask. They always have figures, designs and patterns engraved on the surface. The mask itself will be in an abstract form such as a crude or unclear representation of the human head. However, the symbols were based on real objects found in society. These included bird and animal motifs, celestial bodies, land features, farming tools, and many others.
8. Wood is not the only material
Wooden masks are the most popular. However, other materials are also used. In fact, in some societies hardly any wood was used. This is especially true for tribes in the northern region of Africa. The masks can be made of clay, bronze, silver, reed, stone and cloth.
9. Figurative
For an ordinary person, African masks will share similar properties. Well, that could be true to a large extent. However, if you are unfamiliar with cultural practice, you are likely to misunderstand the role of the mask. For example, in a Makonde carving popular in East and Central Africa, a wide chin and mouth are indicative of power and authority.
10. Specific Material
Only certain materials make the mask. For example, a wooden mask can only be carved from a certain species of tree. It’s not so much about the durability or availability of the tree as it is about the symbolic value that a particular tree has.
The above list of things about African masks certainly shed new light on the African art form. The information will go a long way towards appreciating this crafting item. If you pay close attention to the art when visiting a gallery, museum, festival or other place, you will discover more hidden/unknown facts about the masks.
Types of African Masks
Masks are now defined based on how they are worn. The most popular among them are:
face mask
These masks are very popular among different African cultures. The masks are the regular ones that people wear over their faces and tie with either rope or something to hold them in place. They are not necessarily made in the image of human faces, as they can be made in the forms of animals.
headdress masks
These masks are very popular among women and are sometimes used for fashion purposes. They are also used by men, especially in Mali among the Bambara (Bamana).
helmet masks
These masks are exactly as the name suggests. Worn as helmets, they are well known among many people in Africa, including the Yoruba of Nigeria.
shoulder masks
Worn over the shoulder, these masks are not as popular as others above, but it is still significant to some cultures. Among the Baga people of Guinea, these masks are known as Nimba D’mba shoulder masks and are mainly used by women to improve fertility or cure infertility.
Ancient tribal masks
There are some very popular ancient and tribal masks like the following that are used for very special occasions.
- Mblo Mask- This is popular among the Baule tribe of Ivory Coast. Worn by men, it can be used during funerals by women during harvest, weddings and other events.
- Bedu Plank Mask- This is also used by the Nafana tribe of Ivory Coast. It is used to keep away spirits that are considered bad and harmful.
- Kanaga Mask- It is used by the Dogon tribe of Mali and serves to protect the hunter from the spirits of the game that he kills while hunting.
- Circumcision Mask- Most ancient cultures have their specific forms of circumcision masks.
- Butterfly Mask- This tribal mask is very popular with the Bobo tribe of Burkina Faso when they invoke the Do deity. This happens when people need rain, fertility or something like that.
S ee also: Bodi Tribe: Meet the Ethiopian tribe whose men are becoming overweight of blood and milk. Just for the glory
Fast Facts
- Not everyone can wear these masks, as most are reserved for tribesmen, spiritual leaders, or young men honored during initiation rites.
- There are different masks designed for different occasions like weddings, funerals and other ceremonies.
- Although mostly carved from wood, many are made from other materials such as iron and bronze.
- Some masks are believed to have the power to turn someone into a ghost.
- Each mask has its meaning and purpose.
- Most masks are designed with human faces but have animal faces.
- In most African societies, masks are passed from a father to his eldest son, who is also expected to pass them on.