Masks, Ceremonial

A ceremonial mask is defined as a headdress or an object that covers the face for purposes of protection, ritual, entertainment, transformation, and disguise. Ceremonial masks have different characteristics and functions, depending on the culture that is associated with the particular mask. There are some areas in the world where masks are worn to communicate with ancestors, to ward off evil spirits, to entertain a[Page 1547]crowd through dramatic arts, or to express prestige and wealth.

The ceremonial masks of Africa vary throughout the continent. Masks continue to be of great importance within certain African societies. Art has a great influence over the masks that have been produced. Art is thought to be an expression of ancestral worship. The most prominent area where ceremonial masks are present is a location from within the center of the continent moving from west to east. African masks serve several purposes. Masks not only are representations of ancestors but also are used as a means of communication between the two groups of living and nonliving individuals.

Andreas Lommel, in Masks: Their Meaning and Function (1970), stated that there are four categories of African masks. The first category is composed of realistic masks that often represent beautiful women. These are located throughout western Africa and the Congo. The second category is made up of animal masks. They represent animals and are located in all areas. They date back to hunting societies. The third category is abstract masks. These are more apparent in Sudan, where desert nomads had great influence. The last category is of expressionistic style. Even though this type is seen as being universal, there is evidence that they are more prominent in the Congo and Cameroon. Masks were constructed from bronze, usually worn by a deceased king to preserve his face. Terra-cotta and wood were also materials used to construct masks. Wooden masks were used in ceremonies or rituals to honor the gods.

African masks vary in purpose. There are four main types of African masks: initiation, secret society, fertility, and festival masks. Initiation masks are very sacred and used during initiation rites. It may be forbidden to wear certain initiation masks, but they may be displayed during the ceremonies. Secret society masks hold special powers within the specific groups they represent. Only members of the specific society a mask represents are able to see this mask, and it is destroyed after use. Fertility masks are used by men in relation to agriculture events. These masks contain special powers related to the rain and fertility. There are numerous festival masks used during any spiritual activities, including hunting and harvesting ceremonies.

Melanesian ceremonial masks are similar to those of Africa in that they are used by secret societies. The masks are used during religious or spiritual ceremonies and represent spiritual beings and ancestors. Some masks are associated with protection and are made to resemble skulls. According to Adrienne Kaeppler in Ceremonial Mask: A Melanesian Art Style (1953), during some ceremonies, not only are large extravagant masks worn, but also the bodies and faces of individuals are painted with “red burned clay, black with soot, and white with lime from burned shells or coral.” Ceremonies are performed to appease specific gods and to shield against tragedies such as illness and natural disasters. Melanesian masks are often referred to as being expressionistic due to the presentation and great amount of emotion expressed from the masks.

...