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African masks are traditionally worn by tribes who use it for many different things. There are different purposes for the creation of each mask and it is dependent on the region of Africa they are made and from what tribe they came from. One of the stand out indicators of a masks purpose is the facial attributes it has. An example being in some tribe's a long, stretched face symbolizes the soberness that power brings.
Masks have been known to be used and specifically made for spiritual ceremonies in which the spirits of ancestors are conjured through special dance and song, by wearing the mask. These spirits some tribes believe will guide them through life, protect them from evil and in the past give them strength to triumph in war.
Tribal masks are made by specially trained individuals who have been taught by an elder in the community with years of experience in the craft of mask making. It is a job that comes with much respect as the person who hand carves the masks will have to be knowledgeable in spiritual markings, meaning of colours and religious symbols.
African masks can be made from many different materials and the material used often adds to its importance. There are a number of different materials that tribes use for masks ranging from stone, wood, ivory and metal. Some tribes have been known to file down animal bones and use it for extensions on masks.
Masks can also represent the cultures ideal of feminine beauty. The Punu of Gabon has masks that epitomizes female beauty in their culture and is only worn by men on stilts. The masks have almond shaped eyes, a narrow chin and dark black hair style which tops it off. The face of the mask is white and represents the beauty of the spirit world. The Idia's mask of Benin is a famous mask among African art lovers which was made in memory of the king of Benin's mother. In honor of his mother he wore it by his side near his hip during special ceremonies.
Many masks from Africa are made for a concept or a few, rather than to represent an individual. A mask may be made to represent "wisdom of a man" for example and will feature standout facial characteristics to further add to its cause. African masks are a beautiful part of African culture, they represent the history and also the beliefs that the communities in which the masks came from stand for. An African mask or tribal mask is not just a mask it has depth and history that one can only appreciate when they know its meaning and reason for existence.
