Traditional African Masks The meaning behind Masks and headdresses from sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa and samples of the type of mask found in each region.

About the art Many African societies see masks as mediators between the living world and the supernatural world of the dead, ancestors, and other entities (an animal for example). The mask is meant to cover the whole face or the body so that the person wearing it is unrecognizable The mask wearer takes on the identity/qualities of the mask. In producing a mask, a sculptor's aim is to depict a person's psychological and moral characteristics, rather than provide a portrait.

The use of color Most masks are colored black, white, or red. Occasionally, blue or yellow colors were used. The meaning of the colors varied among the different tribes, but generally white can be a symbol of death, an ancestor spirit, daylight, or good fortune black symbolizes evil red is used to mark a celebration or transition of life

The Boa tribe – Democratic Republic of Congo The Boa tribe comprises 200,000 savanna- dwelling people living in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo The Boa are mainly farmers, but do have a lot of contact with their neighbors. The masks are believed to be used in war- related ceremonies, to enhance the warrior's courage or to celebrate victories. These masks have set apart, prominent, round ears, suggesting alertness, and are covered alternately with dark and light pigments.

Bamana tribe - Mali Despite disparate forms, "antelope" crest masks share the same symbolism. The physical features of different animals are often combined to create mythical creatures whose combined powers are greater than their real-life counterparts These crest masks combine the horns of a large antelope; the body of an aardvark with its big ears, short legs and thick tail; and the textured skin and curling ability of the pangolin--all animals who dig up the earth. This makes a good representations of Chi Wara, the supernatural being who the Bamana traditionally believed taught people to farm. Young men once wore male and female pairs of masks in a dance performance that taught, praised and encouraged good farmers. Ceremonies were held in the fields. 

the three royal masks of the Kuba people

What do you want your mask to look like? Imagine yourself as an eighth grader. You are about to leave elementary and middle school behind and embark on a new life as a high school student. How do you want others to see you? Smart? Funny? Kind? A good friend? A good athlete? Religious? A leader? A movie maker? What other qualities can you come up with? What would those qualities look like on a mask?? Choose 1-3 qualities that you hope you will possess by the time you are an 8th grader, and create the mask you wish you could be.