African Masks.

One of the main characteristics of culture of African peoples is use of masks in rituals and ceremonies.
The masks represent spirits of animals or ancestors, mythological heroes and moral values.
They are made from wood, pottery, textiles, copper and bronze Additionally, the details of the masks are made from animal teeth, hair, bones and horns.

African masks are most commonly shaped like a human face or a abstract replica of some animal. Antelope is one of the most widely used animal masks. The mask of an antelope symbolises agriculture and is worn to enable better crops.  Horns represent growth of millet, legs roots of the plants while ears represent songs that women sing in the harvest time.  Many different masks and materials represent different things, for example, masks made of antelope horns, crocodile teeth and warthog fangs symbolise power. Additionally, masks that represent calmness and patience have half-closed eyes and a small mouth.

Masks that represent ancestors are usually shaped as a human skull. They are used in various ceremonies as witnesses, dead ancestral protectors or as subjects to whom respects are paid.

Masks that are worn by a dancer that then becomes “bearer” of the spirit of the mask, a sort of a medium between the tribe and a spirit. Ceremonies as weddings, initiation rites and funerals have a masked dance.