10 Interesting African Masks Facts

Tuesday, November 5th 2013. | Culture


African masks facts present the fascinating information about the African culture. African mask is not only an artwork. It can be used to symbolize a certain character.  It has a meaning that people should learn before they wear the mask. Here are some interesting facts about African mask:

African Masks Facts 1: wear it

Most African masks are created to wear by people. They are often used in events and ceremonies. You can see the old tribes in Africa wearing the mask in the funeral or wedding. However, you can visit Africa and use masks as a part of a home décor. You can place them as a wall hanging.

African Masks Facts 2: meaning

The meaning of the African mask is always associated with spiritual connection and meaning.

African Mask

African Mask

African Masks Facts 3: a special status

Not all people can create the African mask. The people who can make it well usually have special status in the African society.

African Masks Facts 4: generation to generation

Making the African mask requires knowledge and skill.   The gift usually is passed from generation to generation.

African Masks Facts

African Masks Facts

African Masks Facts 5: shape of African mask

The shape for African mask is very unique. It usually reflects the face of animal or human beings. But you can also see the mask resemble combination of both features.

African Masks Facts 6: decoration

The African mask is not bare. You can see the mask decorated with various things much as straws that you can see as the beard or head. It also features the feather, animal teeth, animal horns and sea shells.

masks

masks

African Masks Facts 7: honor

Wearing a mask is considered as an honor in various African tribes. Not all of members in the African tribes can wear the mask.  The elder and only few men can wear it.

African Masks Facts 8: transformatsion

Wearing a mask is included as a series of transformation. It enables the people to enjoy the ritual sense since they are capable for communincating with spirits.

Baluba Mask

Baluba Mask

African Masks Facts 9: material

The material used to create the African mask is wood. But sometimes people incorporate it with fabric, light stone, bronze, pottery or even copper.

African Masks Facts 10: painted

To make the African mask look artistic, you can see it painted in various color.

Unique African Masks

Unique African Masks

Most masks worn by the people can represent the cultural value for a certain tribe. Let me give you an example with the mask from Gabon. It has a large month and chins. They resemble the authority and strength. How do you like the facts about African mask?
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