History of
African Masks

African masks were worn during celebrations, harvests, war preparation and initiations. The masks represented a spirit and it was believed the spirit possessed the dancer. These rituals were accompanied by song and music. The dancer would go into a trance where he would communicate with his ancestor.

These masks would be of ancestors, mythological beings, good vs evil, animal spirits or totem ancestors.

To learn more about the artists who created the masks within the tribes visit this website.