subject: Meanings of West African Masks [print this page] Meanings of West African Masks Meanings of West African Masks
West Africa is rich in art and is famous for its amazing tribal masks. These masks are an important part of the identity and beliefs of the communities who use them. If you have ever wondered what masks from West Africa mean or the reason for their invention then read on I'm sure by the end of this article you will have a new found understanding of what a typical West african mask is made for.African masks are traditionally worn by tribes who use it for many different things. There are different purposes for the creation of each mask and it is dependent on the region of Africa they are made and from what tribe they came from. One of the stand out indicators of a masks purpose is the facial attributes it has. An example being in some tribe's a long, stretched face symbolizes the soberness that power brings.Masks have been known to be used and specifically made for spiritual ceremonies in which the spirits of ancestors are conjured through special dance and song, by wearing the mask. These spirits some tribes believe will guide them through life, protect them from evil and in the past give them strength to triumph in war.Tribal masks are made by specially trained individuals who have been taught by an elder in the community with years of experience in the craft of mask making. A master or expert carver is a job that comes with much prestige, in order for one to take on this role they would need to understand meanings of colour and spiritual markings.Masks are made from differing materials and the material used is often an indicator of how important the mask is. The materials used in making the masks range from wood, metal,ivory and stone. Some tribes have been known to file down animal bones and use it for extensions on masks.Masks can also represent the cultures ideal of feminine beauty. The Punu of Gabon has masks that epitomizes female beauty in their culture and is only worn by men on stilts. The masks have almond shaped eyes, a narrow chin and dark black hair style which tops it off. The face of the mask is white and represents the beauty of the spirit world. The Idia's mask of Benin is a famous mask among African art lovers which was made in memory of the king of Benin's mother. In honor of his mother he wore it by his side near his hip during special ceremonies.Many masks from Africa are made for a concept or a few, rather than to represent an individual. A mask may be made to represent "wisdom of a man" for example and will feature standout facial characteristics to further add to its cause. West African masks are an amazing part of African culture as they are visual representations of the beliefs of a tribe and also an object of historical insight. An African mask or tribal mask is not just a mask it has depth and history that one can only appreciate when they know its meaning and reason for existence.
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