Africa we have a wide variety of masks from different tribes and
cultures. To bring some clarity and understanding it is helpful to
classify them into roughly 8 basic types.
(A good example would be one from the Ekhoi tribe now classified as part
of Elagham Nigeria see image to the left) Artists carve cephalomorphic
and zoomorphic mask. The headdress and masks are covered with antelope
skin this is one of the main characteristics associated with this tribe.
The basket at the base is the shape of the top portion of the head. The
costume is normally made of plant fiber and or raffia and covers the
entire body of the mask bearer.
mask: this is the most common type found throughout Africa (see
sample image to the right: Chokwe tribe). The mask covers the face and
has holes along the side. Before the wearer dons the costume his
assistants will rub his/her body with a covering of natural oil, this
serve as protection against evil spirits. The mask is then placed over
the face and attached to the head opening of the costume. Thereafter a
skirt made of vegetable fibers is attached around the waist. In some
instances the entire body is covered with fiber or raffia. View
the catalog here and the history
of the Chokwe here
plank mask: Bwa tribe Burkino Faso, (see sample image to the right)
these types of masks is worn on top of the head and it resembles an owl
or bird in flight. The underside is carved to the shape of the head. View
the catalog here
Helmet Masks is carved from
a solid piece of tree trunk, it is hollowed to fit over the head and
with carved out openings for the eyes, mouth and nose. This type of mask
is commonly found among the Sande - Liberia and the Mende - Sierra
or Belly Mask (see image to the left) from the Makonde tribe,
Southeastern Tanzania. Carved from a solid tree trunk the hollow fits to
the fron of the body. The mask is normally part of the costume of a
Ndimu masker and are normally worn by a male masquerader together with a
matching face mask.
Multi wearer mask:
South Africa. This type of mask is hand
painted and serves as a disguise and comical face from way back when
emancipation of slaves was proclaimed. (see Slaves
at the Cape). The newfound freedom of slaves led to the biggest
celebrations at the time. They came out in grand style; along with song
and dance accompanied by traditional music. Colonial masters detested
the celebrations calling it "barbaric".
The comical smiling
disguise allowed slaves to dance right in the face of colonial masters
singing at the top of his voice almost in a way as to vent all the pent
up frustrations without being identified, hence no punishment. For three
hundred years and more against all the odds this vibrant and unique
carnival still live on in the heart of Cape Town.
masker maschera, mascara: A cover or disguise as for the features can be
associated with a play or dramatic performance where the actors are
masked and represent allegorical or mythological subjects. A masquerade.
A artistic covering for the face. To put on a mask, assume a disguise.