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African mask characteristics The design of most African masks are a symmetrical design. Include patterns The zigzag lines flanking the face signify the “path of the ancestors.” The checkerboard pattern represents ignorance and knowledge, dark and light. Enlarged facial features.
What are the characteristics and functions of an African mask?
Quite often, African masks function in religious and social events to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the good and evil forces in the community. They come to life, possessed by spirits in the performance of dance, and are enhanced by both the music and atmosphere of the occasion.
What makes African masks unique?
African masks themselves are some of the most fascinating works in all of human history. They represent a humanistic searching for the world of spirits, yet each tribe shares unique distinctive qualities. The majority of African masks are wood, and mask usage is clearly tied to areas where wood is available.
Is it OK to have African masks?
Wearing A Masks Erases Your Previous Identity African tribal masks do not represent real people, dead or alive, or even animals, when they take on the form of animals. Moreover, when an individual wears and African mask, they no longer possess their own personality.
What are three different forms of African masks?
Lesson Summary Common types of African masks include face masks, which fit over the front of the wearer’s face; helmet masks, which fit over the entire head; and forehead masks, which work like hats that sit horizontally on top of the head with the wearer’s face covered by fabric.
How do I identify an African mask?
Check the back of the mask for wear, including the holes for fastening the mask on the face. The wearer does a lot of moving in his dances, and contact between body and wood can leave sweat and oil stains. 2. Look for wear from forehead, cheeks, chins and noses.
What does the color purple represent in Africa?
Purple is associated with words such as royalty, wisdom, passion and luxury.
What are 4 of the forms that are used to create an African mask?
SHAPE: African masks take on many forms. They can be oval, circular, rectangular, elongated or animal, human or a combination.
What is an Egyptian death mask?
When someone died in Ancient Egypt, their body would have been preserved by being mummified. A death mask was created so that the soul would recognise its body, and return to it safely. Death masks were also believed to help to guard a dead person from evil spirits in the afterlife.
What Colours are used in African masks?
African masks come in all different colours, such as red, black, orange, and brown. In most traditional African cultures, the person who wears a ritual mask conceptually loses his or her human life and turns into the spirit represented by the mask itself.
What is the main message of We Wear the Mask?
The main themes in “We Wear the Mask” are racial inequality, the cost of duplicity, the fallen nature of humanity, and inner versus outer worlds. Racial inequality: The poem reflects Dunbar’s exploration of the condition of Black Americans, specifically their concealment of their suffering.
What is a metaphorical mask?
We all wear (metaphorical) masks every single day. You may wear a mask that covers your entire face, obfuscating your identity, and choose to let it down only when you’re alone, or around one of a very small number of people who have earned your trust.
Why are African masks made of wood?
The majority of masks and sculptures are made of wood for two reasons: Trees are in plentiful supply in the forest. The carver believes that the tree has a spiritual soul and its wood is the most natural home for the spirit in the mask.
Are African masks valuable?
Most African masks are fakes. If a mask measures up well to all of these, chances are you will have to pay a lot for it. The good news is that these high-quality pieces will most likely appreciate in value. Fakes, reproductions, tourist junk, and authentic-but-inferior masks are not a good investment.
What are the types of African masks?
African Masks Menu Baule Mask. Biombo Mask. Bwa Plank Mask. Dan Mask. Goma Mask. Kota Mask. Kwele Mask. Ligbi Mask.
What story can a mask tell?
Masks are used in social ceremonies (weddings, funerals, etc.), seasonal celebrations, and religious events. They are used to tell stories, impart wisdom, and ask for spirit blessings and protections.
What does Brown mean in Africa?
Gray- Healing and Cleansing Rituals, Ash (Ashanti) Brown- Funerals (Akan) Gold- Royalty, Wealth, Status, Serenity, Spiritual Purity (Ghana) Silver- Serenity, Pure Joy, Associated with the Moon (Ashanti)Jun 24, 2016
When was the Baule mask created?
Designed as part of a Baule theatrical tradition, known as “Mblo,” that combines dramatic skits and solo dances, this mask is an idealized representation of the prominent member of the community for which it was sculpted.
What do the African masks represent?
Tribal masks are used to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the forces of good and evil.
Who wears African masks?
In many African groups, masks are worn by dancers. Masked dancers often participate in ceremonies that include songs and prayers. Different ceremonies honor children’s coming of age, harvests, funerals, and other events. The person who wears the mask knows exactly what he or she must do.
Why are African masks so important?
African masks are used in rituals and ceremonies. They might serve an important role in rituals or ceremonies to ensure a good harvest, address tribal needs in time of peace or war, or convey spiritual presences in initiation rituals or burial ceremonies. Some masks represent the spirits of deceased ancestors.
What does a white mask symbolize?
White Masquerade Masks show you are virtuous, fertile, clean, and of high status. Good if you would like others to feel you have high aspirations and confidence. Black Masquerade Masks can symbolize many personality traits including elegance, authority, dignity, sophistication, mystery, and seduction.
What materials are used to make African masks?
Wood, ivory, metals and animal skin are some of the materials used to make them. African masks come in all different colours, such as red, black, orange, and brown. Masks are often made to resemble people, animals and other objects that people identify with. Many African masks represent animals.
What does the mask represent?
The mask symbolizes how blacks must hide who they really are to navigate in white society. Because they are viewed as stereotypes, blacks must pretend to be what white people expect them to be. A mask hides one’s true identity.
