Mask Makers Web

African masks are not pieces of wood more or less decorative, but religious symbols that control the life of the village. They are linked with agrarian, funeral, and initiation rites. Each man has to carry out several rites, in order to be considered as a member of the community in his own right. On the other hand, the mask takes the vital strength of a being that runs away out when it dies, to control it, to avoid that it hurts someone, and to distribute it in benefit of the community. During the ritual dance, the bearer is protected by the mask, and it transforms him in another being. He must be dressed not to be recognised. The dress is also considered part of the mask, but the most important thing is the head, where the vital strength is

Category: Mask tradition

Added on: Oct 04, 2002 | Hits: 8558