African masks: Their symbolic representations

Africa is not short of Art and culture, there are many beautiful art pieces that Africa has given the world but today we will talk about African Masks. West African masks in particular, as well as looking visually striking have many layers of meaning and hold symbolic importance in the tribes they come from. Some that you will uncover as you read on further...

African masks are traditionally worn by tribes who use it for many different things. There are different purposes for the creation of each mask and it is dependent on the region of Africa they are made and from what tribe they came from. A clear indicator of the purpose behind a masks is often the attributes of the face. An example being in some tribe's a long, stretched face symbolizes the soberness that power brings.

Masks have been known to be used and specifically made for spiritual ceremonies in which the spirits of ancestors are conjured through special dance and song, by wearing the mask. These spirits some tribes believe will guide them through life, protect them from evil and in the past give them strength to triumph in war.

Tribal masks are made by specially trained individuals who have been taught by an elder in the community with years of experience in the craft of mask making. A master or expert carver is a job that comes with much prestige, in order for one to take on this role they would need to understand meanings of colour and spiritual markings.

Masks are made from differing materials and the material used is often an indicator of how important the mask is. The materials used in making the masks range from wood, metal,ivory and stone. Some tribes have been known to file down animal bones and use it for extensions on masks.

Masks can also represent the cultures ideal of feminine beauty. The Punu of Gabon has masks that epitomizes female beauty in their culture and is only worn by men on stilts. The masks have almond shaped eyes, a narrow chin and dark black hair style which tops it off. The face of the mask is white and represents the beauty of the spirit world. The Idia's mask of Benin is a famous mask among African art lovers which was made in memory of the king of Benin's mother. In honor of his mother he wore it by his side near his hip during special ceremonies.

Many masks from Africa are made for a concept or a few, rather than to represent an individual. A mask may be made to represent "wisdom of a man" for example and will feature standout facial characteristics to further add to its cause. African masks are a beautiful part of African culture, they represent the history and also the beliefs that the communities in which the masks came from stand for. A West African mask has meaning and a depth that one can only contemplate when they understand the reason for existence.


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