The Magic

The masks, in African beliefs, possess some magical energy for all: those who dance in it as well as for spectators. They contain some spiritual energy, power and wisdom, which could bring immediate benefits to one's health and general well being. The mask often represents a spirit and it is strongly believed that the spirit of the ancestors possesses the person wearing the mask.

This magic “comes” to the mask from the very start of its creation. First, the craftsman has to choose a suitable tree (preferably soft and light) and perform the appropriate ceremonies to conciliate the spirit of the fallen tree, i.e. by killing a cock. He always works in secrecy, because masks are believed to be a creation of some super natural forces and not a human work. The tools he uses are believed to possess their own spirit too. Usually they are passed down through generations and are believed to “inherit” the spirit of the previous owner.

The mask acquires its magical or sacred power through its first appearance, during which the traditional rituals (like sacrificing a chicken) are performed. From this very moment the mask is given life and the spirit can live in it. Between performances, a well preserved wooden mask must be kept away from people, sometimes in a hut constructed especially for this purpose or in a nearby cave. Traditional African masks made of bark or resin are usually burnt at the end of ceremonies. Generally,a mask is never thrown away, but its spirit is transfered to a new mask. The mask usually stays in the same secret society or is passed down from generation to generation to the next, its own, appointed dancer.