AFRICAN MASK CHART
Art of Arfician Masks and History
African masks can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. In Africa masks were made of various materials it included leather, metal, fabric and diffrent types of wood.
The African mask is considered amongst the finest creations in the world of art and is very popular with collectors. Many of the pieces some replica's, can be viewed in museums and art galleries.Masks in Africa have great cultural and traditional meaning.
During celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace and trouble times, masks are worn by a chosen dancer. It can be worn in three different ways. As aface mask, vertically covering the face; as helmets, encasing the entire head; and as crests, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise. The masks represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the person wearing the mask.
Ritual masks depict spirits of ancestors. Masks of human ancestors or totem ancestors are often objects of family pride; they may be honored with ceremonies and gifts.
The dancer goes into deep trance, and during this time he communicates with his ancestors. A wise man or translator sometimes accompanies the dancer. The dancer brings forth messages of wisdom from his ancestors. Rituals and ceremonies are always accompanied with song, dance and music, played with traditional African musical instruments. Mask ceremonies are no longer comon in Africa.
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