Mask
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About This Item
This carved wooden mask was made in Western Africa. An image of an African mask first appeared in the central Sahara thousands of years ago. African masks provide a tangible form for spirits of animals, ancestors, nature, or mythological heroes. Mask carving is an art that is passed on from father to son, along with the knowledge of the symbolic meanings conveyed by such masks.
We are still learning about this object. This mask has features that can be associated with multiple communities within the continent of Africa.
- Date
- 20th Century
- Geography
- Western Africa
- Medium
- wood
- metal
- pigment
- Context
Research in the Global Museum’s archives show that most of the Africa collection comes from West Africa, yet the variety of objects here originated from almost every region in the continent, characterizing the itinerant movements people have between their neighboring communities. Materials and designs reflect their particular source communities and show evidence of cultural exchange and trade routes. On a deeper level, ceremony intermingles with daily life. There is balance between the living and the dead, where deceased loved ones or powerful spirits are embodied with human and/or animal characteristics to protect, soothe, or guide the living.
- Height
- 15.25 in
- Width
- 3.5 in
- Depth
- 2.5 in
- Copyright
- Copyright status unknown. Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing, and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
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