African masks

There is an enormous variety of masks used in Africa. In West Africa, masks are used in masquerades that form part of religious ceremonies reenacted to contact with spirits and ancestors

African masks are made from different materials: wood, bronze, brass, copper, ivory, terra cotta and glazed pottery, raffia and textiles. Some African masks are colourful. Many African masks represent animals. Some African tribes believe that the animal masks can help them communicate with the spirits who live in forests

Today, the qualities of African art are beginning to be more understood and appreciated. However most African masks are now being produced for the tourist trade. Although they often show skilled craftsmanship they will nearly always lack the spiritual character of the traditional tribal masks

By Chloe Peel and Dominic Goldsmith

 

  

  African Tribal Mask