The Color

The shape (form) of a mask and its color are usually so specific to a certain tribe that those two are regarded the key parameters to locate the mask’s origin. The craftsmen have to follow certain traditional requirements regarding the shape or colour of their sculptures. In ethnic art the colour was always vegetable, sometimes mixed with sacrificial blood or some magical substance. It was applied to the mask during special rituals in order to ensure its magical power. A wax substance was often added to the colour to achieve, after some rubbing, a glossy finish. The Dan tribe of Ivory Coast use a “mud bath” technique, in which the mask, buried in the mud adopts its specific colour. Sometimes masks are blackened by burning. Black and white pigments are applied by the Boa people of DRC to masks used during war related ceremonies.

In different tribes different colours have different meaning. Kaolin, white colour, can be a symbol of death, spirit or daylight but also good fortune. Charcoal, black, symbolizes evil. Ochre, red – is used to mark a celebration of life. Yellow ochre and blue lye are also used.