African tribal masks are true archeological treasures as they represent specific culture, customs and traditions. Tribal masks help scientists and researchers to understand better African culture and to reveal mysterious rituals and ceremonies.
Tribal masks are entailed with different role in African society as specific masks were created to serve specific tasks. Actually, tribal masks made African culture known in the Western countries. When creating masks, African craftsmen found inspiration in worship of ancestors (Chokwe, Bena Lulua tribes), funeral rituals (Punu and Bakota tribes), etc.
Africans created masks for harvest and agricultural purposes, law enforcement, healing, averting disasters, war, exorcism and welcoming chiefs. (African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures 2000)
Africans believed that face masks should express moral, social and religious issues. In other words, tribal masks represented the personification of spirit which was leading in the village. The spirit expressed by the mask was called dancer or wearer and his task was to remind villagers about their responsibilities and rules.
Africans believed that face masks defended their society against misfortune and affliction as well as they helped to solve problems and to punish for wrong actions. However, the primary purpose of the mask was believed to show the appreciation of birth, death, harvest, etc. (Nagle 1993)
Masks were usually made of traditional materials – of wood, but sometimes additional materials were added to increase the power of the mask. For example, craftsmen of Tikar and Marka tribes preferred glass, sheet of metal, shells, etc., whereas tribes of Chokwe tended to used nails, feathers, animal fur and monkey skin.
Many African tribes thought that mirrors had special meaning as they reflected the sun and had the power to fight evil spirits. Shells and glass were used for similar purposes. Shells symbolized fertility as they resembled female exterior genitalia. Cowry shells were used to show that the mask is blessed with wealth.
Feather masks were used in war and danger as the wearer could defend and fight successfully. (African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures 2000)
Further, Africans believed that masks possessed magical energy, spiritual energy, wisdom and power and very often masks were used to benefit to tribal members’ health and well being. As it is mentioned above, African masks represented the spirit of ancestors who possessed the person who wore the mask.
When working on a mask, craftsmen had to choose a soft and light tree, then to perform ceremonies to calm down the spirit of the fallen tree offering sacrifice. Craftsmen worked in secrecy as Africans believed that masks were created by supernatural forces, not by humans. (Nagle 1993)
It is necessary to admit that masks were thought to acquire its magical and supernatural power after the cock is sacrifice. After the sacrifice the mask was given life and spirit could live in it. During traditional rituals and ceremonies masks were kept away from common people or they were placed in nearby caves.
African tribal masks made of bark were often burnt after the end of the ritual. Usually, masks were never thrown away, but spirit might decide to transfer to a new mask.
For example, Bafo tribe made small and medium size masks which were sitting, crouching or standing (see picture). Bafo used tribal masks in oath-taking ceremonies. Finally, masks were sometimes used simply as objects with decorative purpose. (African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures 2000)
References
African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures. (2000). Retrieved March 14, 2008, from http://www.africanvariety.com/
Nagle, Geraldine. (1993). The Arts: World Themes. USA: McGraw-Hill.
