The History and Meaning of African Masks
In Africa masks can be traced back to well past Paleolithic times. These art
objects were, and are still made of various materials, included are leather,
metal, fabric and various types of wood.
African masks are considered amongst the finest creations in the art world
and are highly sought after by art collectors. Many of the pieces some
replica's, can be viewed in museums and art galleries in many parts of the
world. Masking ceremonies in Africa have great cultural and traditional
significance. Latest developments and understanding of Aesthetic
principles, religious and ceremonial values, have brought about a
greater insight into the ideas and moral values that African artists express
in their art.
During celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace
and trouble times, African masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer.
It can be worn in three different ways: vertically covering the face: as
helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head,
which was commonly covered by material as part of the disguise. African
masks often represent a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of
the ancestors possesses the wearer.
Ritual ceremonies generally depict deities, spirits of ancestors, mythological
beings, good and or evil, the dead, animal spirits, and other beings believed
to have power over humanity. Masks of human ancestors or totem
ancestors (beings or animals to which a clan or family traces its ancestry)
are often objects of family pride; when they are regarded as the dwelling of
the spirit they represent, the masks may be honored with ceremonies and
gifts.
During the mask ceremony the dancer goes into deep trance, and during
this state of mind he "communicate" with his ancestors. A wise man or
translator sometimes accompanies the wearer of the mask during the
ritual. The dancer brings forth messages of wisdom from his ancestors.
Often the messages are grunted utterances and the translator will
accurately decipher the meaning of the message. Rituals and ceremonies
are always accompanied with song, dance and music, played with
traditional African musical instruments.
For thousands of years, rituals and ceremonies were and to a lesser extent
is still an integral part of African life. The gradual, effects of parceled out
territories to Colonial governments, and the ensuing damage to traditional
economies followed by the displacement of huge quantities of people, by
colonialism, resulted in economies and food production systems being
wrecked. In general the vast number of people have lost some of its tribal
identity and culture, hence masking ceremonies are no longer common
place in Africa.
West African Animals and their Symbolism in African Masks
Unlike Eastern Africa, rich with big game and exotic safari tours, the animal
landscapes of Western Africa are generally scaled down, at least in size. The
quantity of West African animals and their significance, however, play a
large role in the Arts and Culture of West Africa. There are several African
tribes who believe that animal masks will assist them in communicating
with spirits who live in the savannas and forests.
African Bird Masks
Even the smallest country in West Africa, The Gambia, is home to an
estimated 500 species of birds. Birds have been an important part in
ancient animist cultures, whose tribal people believed that birds had spirits
and played special roles in many aspects of life. Several African masks, such
as the Sonu Bird Mask, depict a bird on or above a human forehead,
signifying a range of themes from courage to intelligence. Sankofa, a
common bird symbol of the Akan people, symbolizes wisdom–the bird is
often positioned “looking back to the past” for insight.
African Elephant Masks
Trunk-up is the most common position for West African elephant
sculptures. Said to be a sign of good luck or fortune, the majority of
elephants carved onto wooden furniture, masks or sculptures are carved
with part or the entire trunk curled toward the sky. Although many West
African countries no longer are home to elephant herds, the historical
significance of the elephant and its mighty strength continue to be an
inspiration for modern-day African masks and sculptures.
African Crocodile Masks
Throughout the world, many cultures fear the prehistoric crocodile figure,
but among West African tribes, the crocodile is considered a sacred animal
with many powers. In Gambia, where the crocodile is even stamped on the
country’s currency, a sacred crocodile pool called Kachikaly serves as a
prayer-ground for visitors from near and afar. Generally regarded as a
protector and a spiritual being with the ability to ward off evil, the crocodile
has become a commonly revered icon within West African masks, arts, and
crafts.
African Monkey Masks
From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Mauritania, primates are
one of the most abundant wild mammals still today within West and
Central Africa. Though Western influence has led to popularize new
depictions of monkeys in particular, ancient tribes often carved the monkey
form into masks and crafts to depict the human form in a humorous or
satirical way. Some monkey masks in Central African have been used in
funeral or death rituals. In Togo, monkey skulls are often traded on the
open market and have been associated with witchcraft.
African Antelope Masks
Also called Chiwara, the African antelope’s depiction in mask or sculpture is
a sign of good harvests. Some West African tribes, such as the Bamana of
Mali, believe that the antelope is responsible for teaching humans the
secrets of good farming. Thus, the antelope is a widely respected symbol
and often carved elaborately in wood or metal sculptures and masks.
Pende Art and Masks from the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Pende people live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly
Zaire. They number around a quarter of a million in population, and survive
mainly as farmers of millet, corn, peanuts and plantains. They supplement
their agricultural pursuits with occasional hunting and fishing. They are
comprised of two groups, the Eastern Pende and the Western Pende, and
share significant cultural ties with their neighbors, the Suku and the Yaka.
Perhaps the most famous African mask from the Pende is the Mbangu
mask, or sickness mask, which represents the lifelong struggle between
illness and health, played out on the face of a strong, virile hunter. Its
opposing white and dark sides represent the battle between good and evil
spirits, which cause sickness. The badly distorted mouth and nose attest to
the suffering of the afflicted, and his identity as a hunter reminds us that
even the strongest, most respected among us may be stricken suddenly by
disease. The Mbangu mask is used in rituals to heal the sick and, because
sickness is thought to be brought on by misbehavior which displeases
deceased ancestors, to teach morality lessons.
While most African masks represent idealized types, revered animals or
spirits, or emphasize grossly exaggerated features to frighten away
mischievous spirits, the Pende are unique among African tribes in their
willingness to address human sickness in art.
See Examples of Pende masks below…..