They are mainly concentrated in the eastern side of the country, and although native to Ivory Coast, the Baule people are also related to people of the Akan tribe, a major ethnic group in the neighbouring country, Ghana. The Baule are a farming community whose people form the largest ethnic group in the Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). Next, let’s look at some of the popular African tribal masks from different tribes in the continent
Helmet crests masks – The helmet crest mask is very much like the helmet masks only that the piece does not cover the face. Helmet masks – Like the name suggests, helmet masks are designed to fit over the entire head of the wearer, just like a helmet. Shoulder masks – Shoulder masks are placed on the shoulders, they may have extensions that cover the top of the wearer’s body as well. The piece itself is usually a human or animal figure. Headdress masks – This type of mask is set on a base or ring such that it sits on top of the wearer’s head, hence the name headdress. Sometimes, the masks may come with a veil made of fabric to cover the face, and in other cases, the face is left exposed. Forehead masks – Forehead masks are created to just sit on the wearer’s forehead, like a cap crest. Face masks are securely fitted to the wearer’s face via strings, scarves or bands. They are crafted in such a way that they cover a part or the whole face. Face mask – The face mask is the most common type of mask. Here are some of the basic types of tribal masks you would find in Africa. Well, African masks go well beyond the face. When you think of a mask, the first image that comes to mind is a face mask right? The more you know about African masks, the more you will come to appreciate their cultural and symbolic significance. The point is, African masks are not just some form of African art or decorations, every single one of them has a serious purpose. Some masks have spiritual and religious value, some are used for ceremonial and festive purposes, while some are believed to possess supernatural powers and offer protection. The essence of these masks vary depending on its tribe of origin and its reason for being. There is so much more to the art of African masks than the brilliant craftsmanship of a sculpted piece. The artistry behind the African tribal masks is best described as expressive and multifaceted and this makes African masks incredibly fascinating. #Lunar tribal body paint full#
The full glory of African masks can be most felt in parts of Central Africa like the Democratic Republic of Congo, in West Africa, the Ivory Coast and Nigeria and in East Africa, Mozambique and Tanzania. Masking as an African art is not a new custom, this tradition can be traced back to thousands of years ago, long before civilization.Īfrica has a very rich cultural heritage, home to hundreds of tribes with a remarkable history of mask rituals.Įach tribe has its own unique set of customs and practices of masking.
Most cultures and traditions in the world have some sort of customs and rituals that involve masks, but African art takes masking to a whole new level.
African tribal masks are without a doubt one of the greatest and most popular art forms in the entire African continent.
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