Why doAfricans make masks?
Due to its diversity in cultures, Africa has a rich history of making and wearing masks.
Most masking rituals are accompanied by song, dance, and prayer.
Various African masks on display. Photo: @AirMauritiusSource: UGC
Different masks fromvarious African tribesare worn for specific reasons.
Take a look at the various types of African masks and their meanings.
African tribal masks and meanings
What are the types of African masks?
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Masking rituals are most common in West Africa, the Congo, Mozambique, and parts of Tanzania.
There are thousands of communities in Africa with masking rituals.
Here are some popular African mask images and their meanings.
The Bamileke mask. Photo: @synacy’s touchSource: Facebook
Bamileke mask
This African mask has its origin in Cameroon.
This cover is created in honour of the king and prominent chiefs.
The mask also protects its people and guarantees the fertility of the land and the women in the community.
The Pende miniature mask. Photo: @FranciscoBlancoBlascoSource: Facebook
It is also hung above the door or window of the chief’s office.
Yohure mask
The Yohure is a carefully crafted mask with a blend of human and animal characteristics.
It has horns, stretched face with a high forehead, arched eyebrows, and a low prodding mouth.
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This African death mask is worn duringdance ritualsto aid the villagers in grieving the death of one of them.
It is believed that the mask symbolizes the Yu spirits that help to restore the social balance after mourning.
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The Yohure mask. Photo: @ShawnaShollenbergerSource: Facebook
Baule mask
The Baule is an African mask with horns.
It is also called a Goli mask and is one of the famous West African masks.
This Ghana mask’s meaning is majorly about a bush spirit.
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TheBaule mask’scircular face signifies the sun’s life-giving force, while its horns represent the buffalo’s strength.
Dan mask
TheDan African facemask features a high forehead, a pointed chin, and a pouting mouth.
They also have scarification marks that split the forehead and nose.
The Baule mask from Ivory Coast. Photo: ParcoursdesMondesSource: Facebook
They are made from wood and painted with brown dye.
These masks are considered sacred to protect and communicate with the old spirit world.
The Dan tribespeople carries small masks while travelling to give them personal protection.
A display of the Woyo mask. Photo: @KevinManangaSource: Facebook
Biombo mask
This tribal African mask is crafted from wood and stained with red “tukula” powder.
It has coffee bean-shaped eyes with a triangular checkerboard design on the eyebrows.
TheBiombo maskshave feathers and are adorned during tribal rituals and ceremonies.
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Senufo mask
TheSenufo masksare made byprofessional artistswho reside away from the community.
These traditional African masks also combine both human and animal physical characteristics.
Besides, the masks teach young men their traditions and responsibilities during rites of passage for the Poro society.
The Dan African face mask. Photo: @ArtForEternitySource: Facebook
Kota mask
TheKota maskpossesses stylized heads and simple lozenge-shaped bodies.
Convex faces represent males, while concave ones epitomize females.
The mask has an elongated face trimmed with wings on each side.
The Biombo mask from Congo. Photo: @BlawoSource: Facebook
Its eyes are shaded, while its mouth is rectangular.
Bwa masks
TheBwa masksare thought to have special powers that those who wear them can control.
These plank-shaped masks have a circular face on one end and a crescent moon on the other.
Red Senufo mask. Photo: @MauroCalzoniSource: Facebook
The eyes are inspired by owls, and the hooked nose is inspired by hornbills.
Both of these birds are thought to have magical abilities.
They are also distinguished by their domed heads, which are sometimes adorned with feathers.
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Kwele masks
TheKwele masksdepict the antelope whose flesh was consumed at the end of the “beete” ritual.
The Kwele believe in witchcraft and blame it for all of their personal and social ills.
Hence the ritual protects them from the power of witchcraft.
The Kota mask. Photo: @artforareasonSource: Facebook
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What do African tribal masks represent?
Most African masks signify a spirit, and it is believed that the spirits will possess the wearer.
What were African tribal masks used for?
A display of the Ligbi mask. Photo: @gocnhihSource: Facebook
What are the different types of African masks?
What are the characteristics of African masks?
No doubt that the various African tribal masks are of significance to the communities that make them.
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They are an important part of Africa’s ancient tribal traditions and are still being made and used today.
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The types of marriages recognized by South African law include civil unions, civil marriage, and customary weddings.
The Bwa masks. Photo: @BeverlyWilliamsSource: Facebook
Source: Briefly News
Jedidah TabaliaJedi is a journalist with over 5 years working experience in the media industry.
She has a BSc.
She loves traveling and checking out new restaurants.
The Goma mask. Photo: @AhmedKassimSource: Facebook
She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media.
Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020.
In 2023, Adrianna finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques.
The Kwele mask. Photo: @africarteSource: Facebook
you’re able to reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
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