What does the African mask represent?
Tribal masks are used to represent the spirits of ancestors or to control the forces of good and evil.
What are West African masks?
Most African ritual masks are carved from wood, though some are made from stone, copper, bronze, fabric, or pottery. Masks are often painted and decorated with animal hair, teeth, or horns, shells, straw, feathers, and other materials found in nature.
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 an African mask look like?
There are several types of African masks, including those that cover the face; helmet masks that fit over the entire head like a large helmet; and masks that are like crests on top of the head, leaving the wearer’s face visible. African masks are made of many different designs. Some are shaped like human faces.
What are the key features of an African mask?
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.
Is African mask plant poisonous?
The alocasia is highly poisonous to dogs, cats, horses and humans and can cause death if consumed. Every part of this plant is poisonous. The calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant have sharp edges that cause irritation on everything that they touch.
Can I touch alocasia?
The alocasia is highly poisonous to dogs, cats, horses and humans and can cause death if consumed. If it touches the skin, the alocasia can cause skin irritation. The calcium oxalate crystals found in the plant have sharp edges that cause irritation on everything that they touch.
Are African masks toxic to dogs?
Toxicity to pets Alocasia plants contain insoluble oxalate crystals similar to other plants in the Araceae family. Chewing or biting into this plant will release these crystals causing tissue penetration and irritation the mouth and GI tract.
What are facts about African masks?
The Baule people carve African masks to be worn while dancing during harvest festivals. The mask’s round shape is a reminder of the Sun, the source of all life. These people respect the tremendous power possessed by the water buffalo which is represented by the horns carved into the top of the mask.
Why are African masks used in Africa?
African masks should be seen as part of a ceremonial costume. They are used 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 their spirit in the performance of the dance, and are enhanced by both the music and atmosphere of the occasion.
What was the purpose of African masks?
The African masks, were used in rituals and also for assigning qualities like wisdom (Chilongola Mask), courage (Kamau Mask), strength (Runihura Mask), love (Thandiwe Mask), independence (Boipuso Mask), etc. to people wearing them. The African masks are amongst the popular forms of fine arts in the world.
What is the meaning behind African masks?
African masks have a rich varied history. They have been used in African rituals and ceremonies for a long time. It is believed that the earliest masks originated during the Paleolithic era . They were and still are believed to represent the spirits of animals or ancestors and mythological heroes.
