African Masks

Native Art Africa is the home of the earliest findings of human civilization. Almost as old as human culture is the human need to create art. In Africa, art often took the form of ceremonial masks, sometimes worn over the face and other times on top of the head. Masks are found all over the African continent. We’ll look at samples from different parts of Africa.

Ancient Methods To make a mask, the sculptor (mask maker) first selects the wood and leaves it to dry in the sun. If it cracks, the piece is rejected. Once the wood is dry, the artist uses an adze (a special chisel) to carve the general outline of the mask. A more delicate chisel is used to define the details. A rough leaf is used to sand the mask smooth. As a final step, the mask might be decorated with beads or feathers or painted.

This mask is from Gabon. It’s carved and decorated with paint and feathers. The tribes believed that the mask stood for a spirit and that the wearer channeled the spirit. For example, a lion mask would cause the wearer to be brave. Many tribes worshipped their ancestors, and the masks provided a link with the family and tribal history.

This mask is from Zaire. The mask is actually worn on top of the head, with the skirting of raffia (a type of grass) covering the face and upper body. The mask here is used in a rain ceremony, where a dance is performed asking for rain. Mask ceremonies often include agricultural requests and other religious connections. Do you think the mask looks hard or soft? Heavy?

This mask is from the Yoruba tribe. What strength do you think the wearer would get from this mask? Is it worn over the face or on top of the head? This mask is made out of one solid piece of wood. Sculptors held a respected position in society, mostly because they were seen as having a spiritual influence, rather than being only artists.

This mask is from the Igbo tribe. What do you think it represents? Do you think the aim is to scare off spirits or to make the wearer extra strong? The carving is of an African animal. This particular mask is over 100 years old. The wearer can see through holes in the mouth.

This mask is from the Masai people. It would be tied onto the face by raffia ties. The mask is for a warrior. The red color is supposed to warn off any enemies. Would this mask warn you away from the wearer? Do you think of red as a warning color? Where else is red used as a warning?

This mask is from Nigeria. It is carved from one piece of wood and then stained different colors. This is a funeral mask. It’s used during the ceremony and then given to the oldest son of the family to keep. It represents the spirit of the deceased person. The figure on top is a symbol of all of the ancestors of the family. What do you think of the expression on the mask? Is it quiet? Peaceful? Angry?

This mask is from Sierra Leone and is a modern mask. It’s being worn by a tribe member during a ceremony. Notice the drums being played in the background. Here, the mask includes modern fabric in addition to raffia, feathers, and wood. What message do you think the wearer wants to send? How does the red color make you feel?

African masks have influenced many western artists, including Picasso. As you have seen, there are a variety of mask styles around. Africa is a large continent with huge variation in culture, religion, and art. You can see how each culture approaches masks in its own way.

Art Response Print out mask patterns for coloring at pattern.htm pattern.htm Make masks from paper plates and decorate with crayons, markers, feathers, beads, seeds, beans, etc. Will yours be scary or funny? Think of a ceremony you’d like to perform that uses masks. What kind of ceremony would it be? How would you design your masks?