Traditional African masks are worn in ceremonies and rituals across West, Central, and Southern Africa. They are used in events such as harvest celebrations, funerals, rites of passage, weddings, and coronations.

The masks were worn at funeral ceremonies. The pattern on this very tall mask represents the “path of the ancestors”. The graphic lines and shapes illustrate the various rules which the living need to obey in order to receive the blessings of the ancestors.

Okua Idoma facial mask, Nigeria A naturalistic African facial mask, associated with funerary rites, it features a white clay-coated face marked with the traditional vertical barred keloids.

Browse a wide selection of african funeral mask and face coverings available in various fabrics and configurations, made by a community of small business-owners.

2023年8月24日 · An in-depth exploration of the symbolism, meaning, and evolution of death masks in diverse African cultures, where these masks served as bridges between worlds and shields against malevolent spirits. In the lush mosaic of African cultures, ancient traditions and deep beliefs resonate, shaping generations.

2022年4月20日 · Africans believe that wearing masks and using them during ritualized performances such as weddings, funerals and secret society initiations can connect them with spirits beyond the real world.

Some examples of known African masks and their meanings: Funeral Masks: Used by the Bete and Yoruba people, these masks have the main purpose of keeping sorcerers (feared by the Bete) at bay. The Yoruba people believe that the masks embody the spirit of deceased ones and so feel that a person wearing such masks could speak to the souls of the dead.

2024年11月13日 · African death masks are often central to funeral rites and ancestor veneration ceremonies. They can be worn by dancers, placed on altars, or displayed in sacred spaces.

Bearing religious, ceremonial, and cultural significance, African masks typically depict animal and human characteristics and are made from a variety of woods and materials, and often represent a spirit and are worn by a chosen dancer during various celebrations.

2022年11月29日 · African tribal masks are worn for grave reasons like encouraging human fertility, ensuring a good harvest, burial rituals, ancestral worship, protection from evil spirits, and rituals like rites of passage, among others.