Tribal Masks

Masks are regarded as sculptures, which made African traditional art known to the Western countries. The most important sources of inspiration for African artists were: worship of ancestors ( Bena Lulua, Chokwe ), initiation ceremonies, fertility rites and funeral rituals( Bakota, Punu ). Masks were also created for agricultural and harvest rites (Tikar), war, law enforcement, fighting sorcerers, healing, averting disasters, exorcism, welcoming chiefs and visitors and other events of every day life of the village.

The idea of mask is to express important religious, social and moral issues. It could be said that the mask is the personification of a spirit, which is intervening in village life. In sometimes very elaborate ceremonies the spirit, expressed by the mask, is called by wearer (dancer) to remind villagers about rules and responsibilities. It suppose to defend against different afflictions and misfortune, solve the problems, give an advise, track down and punish all the wrong doings, but also to show the appreciation of good fortune (a birth of child, good harvest etc.).