Traditional African masks

Mask art and culture is an ancient practice known across all the continents of the world. All or nearly all ancient civilizations work hard to create and maintain the mask art and culture – Egypt, Greece, Maya, ancient China, ancient Japan, etc. Since ancient times in Africa, making and wearing masks on certain occasions has been part and parcel of us.

African masks are made from a wide range of materials available in the locality where they are made such as wood, bronze, brass, gold, copper, ivory, terra cotta and glazed pottery, raffia, and textiles. Sometimes, they are decorated with cowrie shells, colored beads, bones, animal skins, etc. Sometimes, artistic cuttings, inscriptions, and designs are done to the mask for decoration and or beautification sake.

Today, masks are worn during festive seasons like Christmas and Easter by masqueraders performing in the streets of cities. It is easy for the younger generation to perceive that mask-wearing has little to do with African culture and tradition, but everything to do with modern-day masquerading.

Since ancient times, masks have had an important place in African arts and culture. It is worn during festive seasons and the performance of certain rites and rituals. The African continent is home to many tribes and diverse cultures. As far as I know, my tribe and culture have very little to do with masks. However, other cultures have a lot to do with masks. Tell us more if your tribe or any other tribe or culture or region you know that makes and uses masks in ceremonies.