Research on African Masks

In class, we got to make African masks out of milk jugs. Original African masks varied from tribe to tribe, but were generally made to represent gods and spirits, either an ancestor, mythological hero, or a combination with an animal spirit (1). Commonly seen animals were hawks, crocodiles, and buffalo (2). These different masks were used for ceremonies of different occasions such as initiations, agricultural festivals, rituals for luck, ancestor cults, fertility rites, and other rituals (1).
At times of war, special masks designed to inspire fear were also worn by tribes(2). Some examples of specific masks are:

• Punu Mask: The Punu Mask is associated with the Gabon people and is painted white. This mask represents the spirit of ancestors. The Gabon people used to wear this mask during celebrations and festivals. The use of Punu Masks in the masquerade dance was a common practice.
• Guro Mask: The native people living along the Ivory coast wore this mask. This mask represented the spirit of 'Gu'. A character from tribal mythology, 'Gu' was the wife of a supernatural entity.
• Funeral Mask: The Funeral Mask was used by the Bete and Yoruba people from Africa. The belief/purpose of the Bete people behind wearing these masks was to keep sorcerers, who would possibly cause harm, at bay. As per the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Funeral Masks were believed to embody the spirit of deceased people. It was also believed that the person wearing such masks would be able to speak to the souls of the dead.
• Ngil Mask: People of the 'Fang' tribe wore the Ngil Mask. The mask was used to initiate new members into the male secret society. (3)
  

Masks were made out of a variety of materials such as metal, leather, and fabric, (1) but according to African Tribal art.net, they were mainly crafted with wood and decorated with paints, shells, colored glass, nails, plant fibers, and even horns. Most were just face masks, but some were worn like helmets, and a few were full body "masks." (3) To make a mask, tribes would first ask for guidance, then cut down a tree. They'd wait a couple days for the spirit of that tree to find a new home, then begin carving(4). Spirits can then possess the dancer that's wearing the mask.

African tribes today still use traditional masks, but infrequently. However, they're a rich part of art history. They can be seen in museums, and have inspired artists, namely Picasso. (5)
Making masks in the art classroom can teach symmetry and expression, but also gives an opportunity to integrate their fascinating culture.

1) http://www.mask-and-more-masks.com/masks-of-africa.html
2)http://www.ehow.com/facts_4856201_facts-african-masks.html
3)http://www.buzzle.com/articles/african-masks-history.html
4)http://www.african-tribal-art.net/?page_id=2
5)http://www.theaccidentalartist.com/content/art-history/about-picasso%27s-african-art