The Celebration

Masks are a part of a whole spectacular performance or rather an event. A masquerader carrying or wearing a mask is dressed in colourful and dramatic costume. Usually not only the face or head but also the whole body is covered in an elaborate costume made of leaves, raffia or clothes, often decorated with shells, beads and amulets. The dressing itself is also a ritual performed by the dancer with a little help from his assistant. Although the assistant is usually a boy after initiation, he can’t touch the mask or the costume as it would “steal” the life out of him. The experienced dancer, however, has enough power to protect himself from the mask’s spirit. He conveys his message to the rhythm of pounding drums and tunes of pulsating music and is often greeted by the audience with songs and chanting.

Africa is changing from a tribal society to a modern one, so it is not hard to anticipate that traditional art will become, sooner rather than later, a thing of the past. Works of African tribal art become more scarce with every passing year.