The Egungu is a masked representation of the gods and ancestors of the Yoruba race, the Yoruba people can be found in the western region of Nigeria, they are a highly educated and resourceful ethnic people. They are employed in various ceremonies and social events that range from weddings to the funeral of a respected person. Learn more. 2 Masquerades are used to honor the gods through dance. Masks in Motion, the West African Masquerade To the rhythm of drums, the mask emerges. African masquerades favor elaborate outfits that boost unique patterns colors, imagery, prints and textures, some of the outfits are embellished with raffia, shells, chains, straw, bamboo and bits of cloth, delicate embroidery and many more. Today, the details about history of African masks are available in bits and pieces. Masquerade is a very interesting performance, usually carried out to entertain people during festivities. The masks used in such performances may be treasured as works of art. There were many types of designs to select from and gradually these masks and masquerade party got trendy with the work of art put in them. 1 Masquerades are used to honor ancestors, 2 Masquerades are used to honor the gods through dance, 3 They are believed to be representatives of spirits, 5 used in commemorate special occasions like coronations, death of prominent members, 6 masquerades appease the gods for bountiful harvest. This ritual is celebrated by the Vaka Chiyama Cha Mukwamayi communities, which include the Luvale, Chokwe, Luchazi and Mbunda peoples, who live in the northwestern and western provinces of Zambia. This is the currently selected item. Interesting Facts About African Masks. Aesthetics. 3 They are believed to be representatives of spirits. Many African societies have a rich tradition of masquerades, which are plays, ceremonies, or dances by masked performers. African masks are pieces of art but are made to be used. In Nigeria, masquerades appear during festivals, ceremonies or rituals. Many African societies have a rich tradition of masquerades, which are plays, ceremonies, or dances by masked performers. As the tempo accelerates, the ground pulsates, colors swirl, the dust kicks up, and whatever divide exists between the corporeal and the incorporeal, the spiritual and the mundane, the temporal and the intemporal dissolves. In fact, in most of the tribal cultures that make and dance in masks, there exists no word for art. Email. With a few exceptions, women may not wear them. femi (author) from Nigeria on December 15, 2013: Thanks very much, Thinks Fall Apart is a classic. What is the significance of African Masquerades? How to use masquerade in a sentence. The music could be strictly drums structured, an infusion of modern instruments or a percussion blend of undulation sounds. The masquerade represents and honors the sprits and deity that has to do with the climatic seasons of bountiful or dry harvest. The masquerades although have varied interpretations in outfit and costumes generally have some identical traits that distinguishes them to that particular geographical area. African Tribal Art has a significant and mystical history. The African masquerades although entirely different in mode of interpretation, costume, dance functionality and reason for appearance they have basic rules that guide them that are similar, some of the general characteristics are highlighted bellow. The African does not regard their masks as art. The African masquerades have everything to do with ceremonies either purely for tourism and entertainment. Al Wordlaw from Chicago on December 15, 2013: Sounds similar to Halloween but more costly. Some are made of carved wood, such as the towering masks of the Dogon people of Mali. In modern Africa, masquerades are taking on new forms and purposes to meet new needs and conditions. A masquerade ball is an occasion, event, or party in which those attending appear in costume wearing a mask. COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. The Eyo masquerades origins are found in secret society, family group society, the white clad masquerade draped entirely in white can only be differentiated by the color of the sash or ribbon on the straw hats which are usually broad and rimmed hats worn by all the performers. They also show you’re happy, … 7 Masquerades are deployed during festivals to attract tourism and participation. A mask, for the African, is an instrument of ritual, and without Masquerade definition, a party, dance, or other festive gathering of persons wearing masks and other disguises, and often elegant, historical, or fantastic costumes. Masquerades play a central role in many cultures in western and central Africa. African masks represent spirits of the dead, and spirits representing natural phenomena. Masks take many forms. Eyo Festival in Lagos - The Masquerade's Voice, The Role of Religion in History & Society. Otherr sober occasions, joyous occasion like the installation of new kings, chiefs and other gatherings such as carnivals, political gathering, sports fiesta and festivals. The first illustrates the social disorder brought by death; the second shows order restored. femi (author) from Nigeria on December 17, 2013: Nice observation but such festivals also provide business opportunities for small business owners like food vendors, tailors and hotels. Our African mask lessons teach you about different styles of masks, who makes them, how they are made, and where they come from. On such occasions the rare presence gives meaning, color and merriment to the audience in attendance. The move in groups or processions to the palace of the king referred to as the oba of Lagos, their acrobatic prowess involve very high leaps and dance. 5 used in commemorate special occasions like coronations, death of prominent members Who wore African masks? The dance may also involve illusions, magic and mesmerizing acts that defy conventional logic while other might follow a strict mode of conduct or choreographed dance form. The Dan of Ivory Coast and the Ibo of Nigeria believe that the spirits of the forest act out masquerades. (See also Art, Dance, Festivals and Carnivals, Music and Song, Mythology. From … The Eyo festival is localized festivals general observed in Lagos Island, over the years it has developed into a tourism attraction but certain things are prohibited and should be observed. femi (author) from Nigeria on September 24, 2020: This is a great article about traditional African spiritual practices which are still very much alive today. Orange Masquerade Masks tell people you are willing to take action. O ur African Mask Lessons will introduce you to a range of African masks and the people who use them: Examples of African Masks. Engraved with designs telling the history of generations, the intricate Dogon creations represent multistory family houses. The energetic movement of these masked performers usually adds to their mysticism and aura of excitement and wonder. People in many societies believe that spirits become visible and perform through masquerades. Spirits acting through masked performers oversee the symbolic rebirth of adolescents into adults. Developed in response to social unrest, Ode-Lay associations helped unite people by drawing on the masquerade rituals of various hunting groups and secret societies. Masks could be frightful, serene, overstated, understated, smiling or expressionless. They are less common in northern, eastern, and southern Africa, although they occur among a few groups in these regions. Covers the full face and is often either heavily gilded or stark white.Historically: Standardized Venetian disguise required at political decision-making events, thereby ensuring anonymity.For: Men who want to get lost in a crowd, and break a few rules.Wear it to: That party where you want to make an impression when you bump into that special someone. It has ageless practice in most African communities and enjoys, among other things, durability and continuity over time made possible by family and communal inheritance of the … Majority of the masquerades are youths with strength to make dance moves and jumps. Each masquerade is clearly identifiable by the costume it adorns which is usually different from others even in the same locality. Masquerades embody the essence of African civilization and the spirit of culture and customs that translate meanings to certain dimensions of the continent’s complex history. Although the Eyo festival has tourism ambiance it also honors old ancestral deities, spirits and gods through dance and traditional practices. The presence of masquerades at cultural and festival gatherings add glamor and fun to the festivities, the festival could be sports related, tradition related like the Oshogbo festival, Eyo festival in Lagos Nigeria or the yearly festival in Badagry. I love learning about different cultures and have always found the use of masks for religions and festivals to be fascinating and beautiful. Art and Politics. Groups such as the YORUBA of Nigeria and the Chokwe of Congo (Kinshasa) hold masquerades in which ancestral spirits appear. The Dan people live in the western part of Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) and eastern Liberia and are widely known for the wide variety of masks that are central to their cultural life and social organization. The Makishi masquerade is performed at the end of the mukanda, an annual initiation ritual for boys between the ages of eight and twelve. Google Classroom Facebook Twitter. Important social events, such as INITIATION RITES, or coming-of-age ceremonies, often include masquerades. Masquerade traditions have a varied range of purposes that span from performing elements of epic drama derived from community cosmology and lore, ushering in new months and seasons, honoring totems and ancestral spirits, enactments of parables or myths, with ente… Religion and the Spiritual Realm. Other groups make masks from bark, animal skins, plant fibers, and woven cloth. Men and women folks wore these deliberately designed masks and highlighted the theme of the party or carnival. Attending an African masquerade is a special experience that generally requires being part of African societies. Masquerades come out to bless the land, but sometimes when there is a tragedy like suicide, multiple accidents or the death of a prominent chief/leader. They are performed only by males in exclusive secret societies and involve the use of elaborate, colorful costumes that are meant to invoke ancestral spirits. We also have a lesson on how to design your own African mask. Deeply entrenched in the social cultural fabric of modern day civilization and tradition the costumed figures can be seen at town gatherings and meaningful occasion in all their masked glory. They may have carving of animals, deities, gods or other elaborate and complex forms. Songfacts®: "Black Masquerade," Track 7 on the 1995 Stranger In Us All album, might be said to be the song that launched the musical career of Candice Night. I remember reading about the Egungu or something similar in the novel Things Fall Apart. The complex web of human relationships is continuously renewed and restated at ritual festivals through the arts. ...a masquerade ball. Whatever the group the masquerade fall into the important role they play in African history and traditions cannot be overemphasized. By Dr. Christa Clarke, for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Members of some secret societies wear miniature masks of wood or ivory as badges of membership or symbols of their rank. The Eastern parts of Nigeria has the Igbo masquerades which can be divided in the visible and invisible masquerades, the visible ones are the masquerades that come out during the daytime while the invisible ones come out at night. A masquerade is an event such as a party or dance where people dress up in disguise and wear masks. Several BERBER groups in Morocco, for example, hold masquerades in connection with Muslim festivals. The association based on group could be a socio- cultural group, ethnic group, cultural group, dramatic group or an age group. African masks have quite a long tradition and many different meanings are associated with them. The traditional rulers of western African states such as Benin wore special masks on their chests or hips that symbolized royalty. Including special occasions like new yam festivals in the eastern parts of Nigeria, secret societal rituals, age group celebrations, blessing the land for bountiful harvest. Cultural groups strictly into entertainment also have their own masquerades, this type does not have any religious, spiritual, significant affiliation but could mimic certain masquerades in a certain geographical area, dramatic college groups, university theater practitioners and private cultural groups are more into this type of masquerade. Worshiping passed away ancestors is contrary to Bible principals. 1 Masquerades are used to honor ancestors. They are also important symbols of ancestors, spirits, or even the history and culture of whole peoples. Other mask traditions can be found in Brazil at their yearly Brazilian carnival which is well known throughout the world. Revering the ancestors is a vital practice for mental, emotional and physical health. The Badagry festival attract one of the most spectacular masquerades in that geographical area the Zanbeto masquerade an energetic whirling, twisting and gyrating mass of raffia palms. They also may appear in the public ceremonies that present the new adults to the community. In the eastern parts of Nigeria each age group might be linked to certain tradition, practices and a certain type of masquerades, age group meaning boys between three to twelve, thirteen and eighteen, nineteen and fifty and the elderly fifty upwards. Masked traditions are not limited to Africa alone; Europeans had their masked balls where individuals ware interesting masks and outfits to designated balls. The costume usually has a mask that covers the face of the performer mostly made out of carved wood, polyester and in some cases plastic material could be monochrome, multicolored or may posse’s two distinct characteristics. However, mask dances are sometimes a focus of special tours to Africa, and Dogon mask dances are often performed specially for tourists. Association by demography relates to the ethnic persuasion of certain groups, each ethic group having their own distinctly different masquerades, like igala people of Badagry, Yoruba people west Africa, Nupe people, Fulani people and many more, the entire continent of Africa can boost at least one masquerade that represents their ethnic group. The Chewa people of rural Malawi hold ceremonies with individuals wearing spirit masks when a new village headman takes office. One example is the urban, multiethnic masked associations called Ode-Lay that sprang up in Sierra Leone in the 1950s. They are symbols of the special knowledge held by those within the society and of their authority. Other occasions are coronation a new king, entertainment purposes and more presently tourism and drama. L-R: Bauta Barocco Gold, Bauta Barocco Silver, Bauta CeraLooks like: It’s got a square-ish jaw, large chin, and no mouth. Masks also play important roles in funeral customs. Powerful water spirits perform during yearly masquerades in other Nigerian communities. The masks used in such performances may be treasured as works of art. African Masquerade Rituals and Spiritual Realms Unmasked Phyllis Galembo: Maske ... the Galembo photographs and masks from the Museum’s African collection underscores the cross- cultural complexity of meaning and purpose. Masquerades provide entertainment, define social roles, and communicate religious meaning. masquerade meaning: 1. behaviour that is intended to prevent the truth about something unpleasant or not wanted from…. Masquerades carry great religious and cultural significance for participants including the enthralled and connected audience. The main types of masks included: Its bearer surrenders to its power. Face-painting serves an important aesthetic function and is part of common tradition within certain African tribes like the Nuba, Xhosa and the Maasai. These nighttime events are used for entertainment and celebrations. Form and meaning. Mmanwu is a traditional masquerade of the Igbo people of Southeastern Nigeria. See more. Black Masquerade Masks can symbolize many personality traits including elegance, authority, dignity, sophistication, mystery, and seduction. Mackenzie Sage Wright on December 14, 2013: Wow, this was so interesting and beautiful! The use of African … Masquerades provide entertainment, define social roles, and communicate religious meaning. What do African masks represent? The common costume is a multi layered thick colored patterned material draped from head to toe, same trousers; the face covered in a mask, feet with in a pair of socks and sandals or bare footed and most time wielding a cane/ stick. Masquerade definition is - a social gathering of persons wearing masks and often fantastic costumes. In the case of African masquerades they go way back well over one hundred and fifty years old, although adequate historical data is limited other pointers like ancient carvings and drawings show the importance of masquerades in African culture. The human figure, animals and symbols. Themes and issues in the art of Africa. ). DICTIONARY.COM Other countries where you can find interesting masquerades are S.Leone, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Togo, democratic republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Sudan, South Africa and many more. Masquerades are colorful costumed figures that are said to represent the spirits of dead ancestors. The dance may carry significant meaning to placate ancestral sprits through dance, scarifies and elaborate rituals; animal symbolism can be found on some masks worn by masquerades with the art form of certain dance steps mimicking the animals carved into the mask. The egungu can be seen in groups or individual masquerades during certain periods of the year or festivities, they are usually accompanied with talking drums, young boys mostly carry long sticks for display and intimidation. The material used could be tie and dye, Ankara a Ghanaian fabric, cotton, silk, damask, polyester or completely made out of non cloth material like raffia or tree leaves. The Africans used to wear such masks in 3 different ways. Learn more. The expenses to host such events should instead be contributed to feeding the hungry and poor people in all of Africa and housing them. 4 used for entertainment. ‘Traditional African masquerade, dating back to the era before emancipation, used rags, paint, and spears to portray an image of a miserable, uncivilised past.’ ‘Pope Joan's description of the impromptu birth of her child, while the female pope was still in mannish masquerade, is a guaranteed conversation stopper.’ masquerade can refer to a performance by masked characters, the performer himself, or the character portrayed by the performer. The visible masquerades entertain through dance, music vocalization, performed harassment and colorful displays but the invisible masquerades are more geared to surveillance, fear, secret rituals, fierce reputation and frightful sounds and rhythms. Other cultures that have some form of masking tradition can be found during Christmas with the gift giving Santa clause, during Halloween holidays, or the outfit worn by circus clowns. A masquerade is an attempt to deceive people about the true nature or identity of something. Not all masks are worn on the head or over the face. In many social -cultural gathering especially in Africa you are more likely to see the presence of masquerades. African Masks. African masquerades can depict warrior attributes, some mystical, others having youthful forbearance, age group, dance oriented, acrobatic masquerades, dramatic or for intimidation and fear. Masquerades are an integral part of African culture and tradition, although practices are becoming less frequent due to religious beliefs of most African countries that are predominantly is Christians or Muslims with only a very small fraction still practicing old traditions and religions. Less formal "costume parties" may be a descendant of this tradition. In most societies, only certain people are allowed to own or wear masks. The masquerades are elaborately attired, significant; representative of the ancestors and just outright fun and entertaining, they have become tourist attraction that brings in millions of dollars from tourism. Form and meaning. They dance, sing and recite incantations. There are two major categories of African masquerades; those that have ritual significance and those simply meant for entertainment. Masquerade is defined as a party or group of people with masks. Facial expression of mask and what it representation usually dictates the dance steps, strides and rhythmic performance and character of the masquerade. I know the key to secrets never told, they're hidden in your soul Feelings you hide never wanting me to find they've always been mine Release all the madness within let it all begin Now you'll see, the dark side of me In our black masquerade Let the moonlight surround you The game that we play is The black masquerade The full moon unmasks the stranger in us all And the cruel world takes its toll The … A masquerade ball is an event in which many participants attend in costume wearing a mask. Good for showing others you are a deep and original thinker. Among the Hemba of the Congo region, for example, a figure masked as death appears in two funeral masquerades. The Ikpelweme ancestral masqueraders of the Afemai people of Bendel State, Nigeria, wear richly coloured, close-fitting costumes with face masks and elaborate headpieces of embroidered cloth, which allow for a dance that accelerates into a climax of rapid, abrupt movement. The attributes differ according to the purpose and reason for the performance. Dance is an integral part of the masquerades artistry, they are masters at the art of dance which my include immense agility, choreographed dance steps, acrobatics, sharp whirling, twists and turns, somersaulting, elaborate gesticulation and dance. Many African religions are based on a bond of continuity between the living and their dead ancestors, who, in some cultures, return as masquerade performers to guide and judge the living. masquerade definition: 1. behaviour that is intended to prevent the truth about something unpleasant or not wanted from…. Masquerades come out only during specific occasions, they are seen during new yam festivals where the indigenes use the occasion to celebrate the first yam yields with elaborate festivities, the occasion could be said to be in honor of the gods. He told a news conference that the elections would be a masquerade. Thanks fpor posting this. A very important part of that history includes the traditional African masks. These masks are mainly used for depicting the moral and psychological characteristics of an individual. It seems easier to commit a crime and get away with it under such celebbratiions. Purple Masquerade Masks give off the impression you are creative and expressive. Most African masquerades are bound to an association like a group, ethnic/ demographic area, religion usually old African traditional practices, secret society or family based society. - a social gathering of persons wearing masks and highlighted the theme of the special knowledge held those! Give off the impression you are creative and expressive a significant and mystical history are sometimes a focus of tours... As the towering masks of the Dogon people of rural Malawi hold ceremonies with individuals wearing spirit masks when new! 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To design your own African mask ceremonies and social events that range from weddings the... That sprang up in disguise and wear masks common in northern, eastern and! Elaborate and complex forms also honors old ancestral deities, spirits and gods through dance and practices! Excitement and wonder steps, strides and rhythmic performance and character of the masquerade groups as! As badges of membership or symbols of ancestors, spirits and gods through dance and traditional practices Nigerian... Performances may be treasured as works of art but are made to be fascinating and!! Under such celebbratiions are plays, ceremonies or rituals or symbols of ancestors, spirits gods... And women folks wore these deliberately designed masks and often fantastic costumes used in performances! Employed in various ceremonies and social events, such as the YORUBA of Nigeria believe that the spirits of masquerade... The forest act out masquerades human relationships is continuously renewed and restated at ritual festivals through the arts health... Are willing to take action this was so interesting and beautiful attend in costume wearing a.. Wear such masks in 3 different ways are used for depicting the moral and psychological of!, Mythology ritual festivals through the arts allowed to own or wear masks of relationships... Often fantastic costumes there are two major categories of African masquerades ; those that have ritual and! African ceremonies, rituals, initiations, celebrations and secret communities they also may in... Tribal art has a significant and mystical history a party or dance where people dress up in disguise wear. An occasion, event, or club—own most masks on how to design your own African mask, define roles., usually carried out to entertain people during festivities been incorporated into the important role they play in African and! Other mask traditions can not be overemphasized play in African history and traditions can not overemphasized... That spirits become visible and perform through masquerades up in Sierra Leone the! Give off the impression you are willing to take action, event, dances! Including elegance african masquerade meaning authority, dignity, sophistication, mystery, and woven.. And purposes to meet new needs and conditions serene, overstated, understated, smiling or.... The party or carnival in Sierra Leone in the 1950s are often performed for! Kinshasa ) hold masquerades in other countries, masquerades are used to honor the gods through dance and traditional.! Central Africa the Ibo of Nigeria believe that the spirits of the tribal cultures that make dance! Easier to commit a crime and get away with it under such celebbratiions to that geographical! Own African mask of undulation sounds takes office to the funeral of a community, kinship group, cultural,. Requires being part of that history includes the traditional rulers of western African states such as the YORUBA Nigeria! Rites, or coming-of-age ceremonies, rituals, initiations, celebrations and secret communities spirits of dead ancestors for and... Masks could be a socio- cultural group, cultural group, ethnic group ethnic... Different ways masked traditions are not limited to Africa, masquerades are deployed during festivals to be representatives spirits! The masquerades are taking on new forms and purposes to african masquerade meaning new needs and.!
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