Understanding masks from Africa

3. � any occasion where masks are worn, often in celebrations, rituals and processions What do we mean by �mask�?

8. LHS This dance crest is made of blackened wood with the red seeds Abrus precatorius inlaid in beeswax. It represents, in stylized form, a chameleon balanced on a cockscomb. In Africa, 'masks' can be made of almost anything - plastic, paper, leaves, basketry or cloth - and the masquerade is a performance genre that appeals to all the senses since it includes music, dance and elaborate costumes that cover the entire body. Often masks are made to be seen in motion or merely glimpsed at night. This particular mask is probably from an Angas dance society and is made of poisonous abrus seeds. A preoccupation with the sculptural forms of African masks has led to great interest in carved wooden pieces and the relative neglect of works such as this. RHS Mask carvers of Africa have developed many kinds of imaginative spirits in various materials such as wood, skins, cloth, beads, fibre and metal which are combined in a number of ways. The selection of media often has local significance, thus enhancing the visual symbolism of the mask and costume. This wooden mask has a fibre fringe or 'beard' and three fur horns. It was worn by the wichi or ritual specialist, and would have been put on and removed in complete secrecy. Its precise function is not known, but it may have been to discourage unruly behaviour. It was associated with the bwadi society that formerly exercised judicial powers and were present at the installation and initiation of chiefs. Its various elements are drawn from a whole range of wild creatures brought together in a single form. LHS This dance crest is made of blackened wood with the red seeds Abrus precatorius inlaid in beeswax. It represents, in stylized form, a chameleon balanced on a cockscomb. In Africa, 'masks' can be made of almost anything - plastic, paper, leaves, basketry or cloth - and the masquerade is a performance genre that appeals to all the senses since it includes music, dance and elaborate costumes that cover the entire body. Often masks are made to be seen in motion or merely glimpsed at night. This particular mask is probably from an Angas dance society and is made of poisonous abrus seeds. A preoccupation with the sculptural forms of African masks has led to great interest in carved wooden pieces and the relative neglect of works such as this. RHS Mask carvers of Africa have developed many kinds of imaginative spirits in various materials such as wood, skins, cloth, beads, fibre and metal which are combined in a number of ways. The selection of media often has local significance, thus enhancing the visual symbolism of the mask and costume. This wooden mask has a fibre fringe or 'beard' and three fur horns. It was worn by the wichi or ritual specialist, and would have been put on and removed in complete secrecy. Its precise function is not known, but it may have been to discourage unruly behaviour. It was associated with the bwadi society that formerly exercised judicial powers and were present at the installation and initiation of chiefs. Its various elements are drawn from a whole range of wild creatures brought together in a single form.

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13. Key points to explore when examining any object: