History of West African Masks

Masks are worn to cover one's identity, to parade around at a masquerade party, or for the celebration of Halloween. However, for an African, the wearing of a mask has a different meaning. Masks are worn not just for fun and pleasure. It's a part of life, culture and tradition. To Africans, the wearing of masks keeps the African people connected to the spirits of their ancestors.

Behind the Masks

In the African culture, the act of wearing masks during celebrations and religious rituals dates back hundreds of years. Wearing masks is traditional and cultural. Every African tribe has its own unique style of mask. You will not find someone of the western African countries wearing a mask associated with another tribe from another African country. When a mask is created for a ceremony, the face mask will either be in the form of a human spirit, that of a deceased ancestor or a mythical hero. Masks are also created to depict an animal spirit such as a hawk or bull.

Reasons for Wearing Masks

As in all African mask traditions, there is a mask that is to be worn for all special occasions. So it is with the western nations of Africa, countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. Masks are worn for weddings, harvesting and in initiation celebrations. They also wear masks when they are about to engage in war. Masks are also worn to teach a moral lesson to the young, and when there is a death in the village, masks will be worn for the funeral.

The Look of the Costume

The West African masks are clearly defined with images of animals such as birds, lions and crocodiles. They can also show a distorted human face, revealing disfigured eyes and mouths as well as showing outlandish and wild hairdos to complete the look of a grimaced mask costume. When one wears the mask in celebration, or a religious ritual, the situation will most always include music and dance to go along with the particular event. The mask may also show a look of anger and hostility as when going into a battle with enemies.

Three Common Styles of Masks

The most customary mask is the tribal face masks, which are artistically designed and hand-carved. There is also a body mask, which is part of a ceremonial costume that comes with a matching facial mask. There are masks that cover the entire head area. These are often referred to as helmet masks, and they are carved from wood. Most face masks are made of wood and designed by an African woodcutter. Other materials used in crafting masks are brass, bronze, tin, fur and leather. However, wood is the most preferred because it is believed to hold a spiritual soul, which will give spirit to the mask.

African Masks as Fine Art

Though Africans wear masks for celebrations and religious rituals, you will find that their customary tribal decorations end up on our walls as fine art in our stylish home décor. While Africans are wearing masks to call up the spirits of their ancestors, other nations are showcasing the masks as a beautiful display of hand-carved African art.

References

• History and Meaning of African Masks
• Functions and Forms of Masks
• Masks and More Masks