2. African Masks Functions, Symbols, and Examples

3. Several Functions of Masks  To seek the help of powerful spirits  To control these forces  To enlist help against the powers of destruction  To embody the qualities of a specific animal  To ask for protection.  To honor the spirits and bring forth their blessings through dance

4. Hawk Mask of the Nuna Burkina Faso  The zigzag lines flanking the face signify the –"path of the ancestors"  The checkerboard pattern –ignorance and knowledge, dark and light.

5. Antelope Mask Dogon People Mali  The antelope is admired for its beauty, strength, and courage.  It is the symbol of the hard work

6. Elephant Mask Bamileke People Cameroon  The elephant mask signifies kingship and wealth.  Black denotes the relationship between the living and the dead.  White refers to the ancestors and potent medicines.  Red symbolizes life, women, and the institution of kingship.

7. Masks Representing People  Masks used in ceremonies would represent honored people: –Elders –Spiritual leaders –Beautiful people –Young –Wise people.

8. Youthful Spirit Mask Baule peoples, Côte d'Ivoire  Horns and teeth –mischief  The youthful dancer playfully chases young women around the village, spurred on by their songs.

9. Feminine Beauty Punu People of Gabon  Reflects Punu ideals of feminine beauty: –elegant coiffure –rounded forehead –highly arched eyebrows – almond shaped eyes –narrow face –small chin  White color –spirit world.  Danced by men on 6’stilts at celebrations and funerals.

10. Mwana pwo Angola  Used in their initiation ceremonies  Worn by men  The masks represent female ancestors  The dance mimics the graceful gestures of women and transmits fertility to the spectators.

11. Noble Elder Chokwe People D.R.C.  This mask depicts an elderly man of noble rank.  To bring prosperity to the village.

12. Mende Mozambique  Ideals of female morality and physical beauty: –The downcast eyes indicate a spiritual nature –The high forehead indicates good fortune –The elaborate hairstyle reveals close ties within the community of women.

13. Makonde Mozambique  Used for the initiation of men and women into adulthood

14. Chiefly Courage and Anger Pende People D.R.C.  The interlacing diamond pattern signifies chiefship  The mask's white rimmed eyes express uncontrolled anger  The mask appears only in times of social crisis, when the chief must assert his authority