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Ancestor Masks in West Africa
For many West African tribes, the sprits and wisdom of a people's ancestors are highly regarded. This aspect of culture is reflected often in the crafting of ancestor masks.
More than Spiritual Representations A common belief among tribes such as the Dan is that the sprits of their ancestors are actually embodied in the masks they create, making their carvings more than just symbolic representations. The belief is shared by many tribes who bury their ancestors' bodies close to their homes in order to keep the spirits close and remembered. A Direct Connection to Another Realm During many rituals or ceremonies, West African tribes use ancestor masks as they cast themselves into a deep trance. During this altered state of being, the mask serves as a passage or connection to the realm of the dead, or for the spirit of the dead to enter the living world for intervention. |
Physical features of Ancestor Masks
Some of the most notable features of ancestor masks include horns or protrusions from the top of the mask. In cultures such as the Dagomba, for example, the horns on the top of the mask function as the channel through which spirits and the living can connect supernaturally.
Another characteristic of some ancestor masks is the relatively abstract or plain nature. Harkening back to past generations, many mask makers will simplify a mask's design to create a more antiquated piece fitting to the specific relative or ancestor it is depicting. Since many ancestor masks are generic (not specifically created to represent an actual person), it seems fitting that a more generic faceplate would be used so that a single mask would have the power to call upon many ancestors.
Depictions of Ancestor Gods or Rulers Some of the ancestor masks, especially within the Senufo tribe, are specific depictions of particular gods. Masks representing the Ancient Mother or the Creator God have been created as a means to contact this dualistic deity, who cannot be dealt with directly. Determining Prophecy Ancestor masks, especially those created to represent high profile figures, are often used in ceremonies where special individuals claim that prophecy or knowledge of the future is passed to them. It is through the mask that dream-like images of what is to come are passed to the wearer, and then shared with tribes. |
