The Boca Raton Museum of Art

1. The Boca Raton Museum of Art

2. African Masks The masks in this presentation originated from several countries located in sub Saharan western Africa. These countries include: • Liberia • Ivory Coast • The Democratic Republic of the Congo • Cameroon • Gabon

3. What Roles Do Masks Play in African Culture? Masks play an important role in African culture. Each tribal group has its own individual style and assigns specific significance to each mask. Below are examples of the way masks are used by the tribes of Africa. • Tribal status - importance in the tribal government • Celebration - marriages, births, harvests • Religious - funerals, memorials, honoring ancestors • Protection and Success - war, hunting, planting • Entertainment – amusement • Performance - story telling, tribal history • Special Events - visitors to the village • Sports - invoking spirits for success • Festivals – holidays • Commerce and Trade What Roles Do Masks Play in Your Culture?

4. Guro Elephant Mask The daily life of the Guro people is dominated by secret societies and by a belief in protective spirits, to whom the Guro used to build shrines and figures. In myths and legends animals are helpers of the ancestors and are honored and respected by later generations. Like the spirits of some ancestors who roamed angrily about in the world of the living, believing that they were neglected by their kinsmen, an animal killed by a hunter who does not perform the proper ritual may lay in wait to take revenge. A mask could entrap the animal’s spirit enabling the wearer to cause the creature to submit to his authority. When a shaman or masker puts on an animal mask, he absorbs something of the animal’s power. In particular, the elephant mask gives the wearer the elephant’s ponderous endurance. The elephant masks are used in ceremonial dances during different festivals. Guro Elephant Mask, Ivory Coast, undated Wood, polychrome and fiber, 23 inches high Permanent Collection 1997.118 Anonymous donor

5. Guro Mask This undated mask from the Guro People of the Ivory Coast represents wealth and prosperity. Working class women carried bundles on their heads and this decorative head covering would prevent that action. Therefore we can infer that this mask is a representation of wealth or power. The mask is used during sacrificial gatherings, funerals and special celebrations. Why do you suppose the eyes are closed? Do you think this mask was worn, carried or hung? Describe the lines. Are the lines horizontal, vertical or diagonal? Guro Mask, undated, Ivory Coast Carved wood, 13 1/2 inches tall Permanent Collection 1993.126 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Steinman

6. Bird Mask This undated mask from the Mano people of Liberia represents the animal spirits of the jungle. By wearing this type of mask, the villagers are able to combine the human spirits with the animal spirits to ensure harmony between the two spirit worlds. Why do you suppose the bird was chosen to represent the animal spirits? What animal would you have chosen? Mask, undated Liberia Wood, patina and animal hair Permanent Collection 1989.075A Ms. Merrily C. Baird

7. Gunyega The gunyega is worn by young men in competitive foot races. A simple coarse cloth costume covers the wearer’s head and upper torso leaving the legs unencumbered. The mask brings skill, speed and confidence to the racer. What might you wear to a sports contest to help you compete? What do athletes in our society wear enhance their performance? Face Mask (Firerunner), Gunyega Northern Dan, Ivory Coast, 20th century Wood with cloth attachment Permanent Collection 1989.082 Gift of Ronald and Benita Baird Barab

8. Animal Mask Is it a bird … a plane … Superman? No … its an elephant! This particular elephant mask was used in peace making ceremonies. What characteristics of an elephant do you suppose would be useful in a peace process? Use this mask in a commercial to sell a product or service. Mask, Dan Peoples, Ivory Coast Wood, cowrie shells, feathers and textile Permanent Collection 2000.278 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hy Klebanow 

9. Ogoni Mask The Ogoni, like many groups throughout West Africa, have traditionally celebrated the harvest of important crops, like yams, with masked dances. Masks with hinged jaws are used for harvest festivals, as the moveable lower jaw would make a happy, clacking sound when the dancers jumped up and down. Ogoni Wood Face Mask, Nigeria, undated Wood, pigment and nails Permanent Collection 1992.267 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Hayim  

10. Kuba Bwoom Mask This mask is used in initiation rites and may be worn only by men of royal descent. The mask symbolizes Woot, the culture hero of Kuba people who originated royalty, political entities and most of the arts and crafts. Kuba Bwoom mask Democratic Republic of the Congo, undated Wood, beads, copper alloy, cowry shells, textile and animal hair 30 inches high Permanent Collection 1993.138 Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Steinman

11. Vocabulary • Masks • Texture • Patterns • Celebrate • Headdress • Burlap • Decorate • Tribal • Africa • Symmetry • Rituals • Ceremonies • Tradition • Museum • Exhibition

12. Visit the Boca Raton Museum of Art and view African masks in the Permanent Collection!