The tribal artist has an important job. He is trained by a master carver or his father to carve significant pieces, each bearing their own important message and role in the artist’s village or culture. The masks this artist creates are used in certain rituals and religious festivals, giving him a position of respect amongst his villagers.

Masks are usually designed to evoke a sense of shock in the viewer. As such, they often depict a face with a grotesque, threatening, sad or suspicious expression. They are usually made of a good quality wood and are sometimes decorated using paint and beadwork. Alternative materials for the creation of an African mask include textiles, leaves, wire, metal or paper. Because of the quality and, sometimes, the intricacy of the mask, it can take weeks to complete one piece.

Four Dogon Dancers with Masks and
Stilts,village of Irelli, Mali.

Masks are held in high esteem in many cultures. Usually, only men wear the masks during special events, ceremonies or celebrations. When they are not in use, they are often kept in a safe place, protected from wear and tear and weather damage. Masks are also assigned spiritistic powers; the ability to effect, affect or influence events. Some masks are considered to be so powerful that villagers are not even permitted to look directly at them.

West African Mask.

For more information, please view: http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/