What is the most famous African mask?
1) Edo Mask, Benin Possibly the most famous or easily recognizable African mask in the world, this unbelievably preserved specimen is from the Edo people and made of pure Ivory.
What is the oldest African mask?
But the oldest African artifact that is definitely a mask is the highly realistic copper mask of the oni (leader) Obalufon, from the Ife kingdom of Nigeria (12th to 15th century). The eyeholes and the holes in the mask for strings of beads or raffia attachments indicate that it was worn in some ceremony.
What are African masks called?
Masquerades (African Masks)
Do African masks have spirits?
Traditional African masks play an important role in certain traditional African rituals and ceremonies. Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors. Others symbolize totem animals, creatures important to a certain family or group.
What do African masks symbolize?
Tribal masks are used to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the forces of good and evil.
What purpose did masks serve in African art?
Masks serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies with varied purposes like ensuring a good harvest, addressing tribal needs in time of peace or war, or conveying spiritual presences in initiation rituals or burial ceremonies. Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors.
Where did African masks originate from?
It is believed that the earliest masks were used in Africa before Paleolithic era. They represent spirits of animals or ancestors, mythological heroes, moral values or a form of honoring of a person in a symbolic way. They are made from wood, pottery, textiles, copper and bronze.
What tools are used to make African masks?
A tool called ‘azde’ is used for sculpting the wooden masks. The history of African masks can be traced back to Paleolithic times. These masks hold great importance in the African culture. In olden days, masks were used in many different ceremonies. These masks were made from metals, wood, fabric, etc.
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 the different types of ancient masks?
Ancient Tribal Masks Mblo Mask- This is popular among the Baule Tribe of Ivory Coast. Bedu Plank Mask- This is also used by the Nafana Tribe of Ivory Coast. Kanaga Mask- Used by the Dogon Tribe of Mali, it serves to protect the hunter from the spirits of the game he kills during hunting.
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.