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Tribal masks come in various types, each serving specific cultural, religious, or ceremonial purposes. Crafted from numerous materials, these masks are integral to community traditions around the world. Below is a list of some common tribal masks.
Ceremonial Masks
Many tribes use these masks in their rituals and ceremonies. They believe the spirits connect with the wearer when they put on the mask. For example, in African tribes, masks are used during dances to represent the ancestors. In Native American tribes, masks are often used during healing ceremonies.
Funeral Masks
Many cultures also use masks in burial rituals. They make the mask to honor the dead and ensure safe passage to the afterlife. For example, many ancient societies believed that the deceased would wear a mask to protect them from evil spirits. In Egypt, one of the famous funeral masks is that of King Tutankhamun.
War Masks
Some tribes used masks to frighten their enemies. The masks often had symbols carved on them to represent strength or bravery. For instance, many Pacific Islander groups wear masks in battle to intimidate opponents and unite the warriors.
Harvest Masks
Apart from the above, some cultures also use masks like this during agricultural festivals. The masks also represent fertility and the spirits of nature. In many cases, the masks are made from natural materials like wood and clay. They are then decorated with seeds and flowers.
Ritualistic Masks
African masks like this are used in rituals to initiate, heal, and purify. They often represent deities, animals, or mythological beings. These masks are crucial for maintaining social order and spiritual balance within the communities.
The design of tribal wall decor masks varies widely based on the cultural significance, materials available, and the purpose the masks serve. Below is a breakdown of the various aspects of design.
Materials
Many tribes use wood as the main material for making tribal masks. Some of them use soft woods like cedar and mahogany to carve out intricate designs. Others use harder woods like teak and oak for durability. While most of these masks are wooden, others use metals, animal hides, and plant fibers to make the masks.
They also use paints made from natural pigments like ochre, charcoal, and clay. Tribes then use these paints to create vibrant patterns and symbols that reflect their beliefs and values. Plastic tribal masks have been on the market for some time now, but people rarely use materials like plastic because they fail to give authentic masks.
Shapes and Patterns
The shapes and patterns of tribal masks are dictated by the tribe's cultural beliefs and customs. Many masks have exaggerated features, including large eyes, pointed noses, and wide mouths. The purpose of these features is to represent certain spirits or animals.
These masks also include abstract geometric patterns and images of significant animals or historical figures. These features are chiefly added to convey specific messages about identity, social status, or religious beliefs. In most cases, the carvers draw the patterns using white, black, and red colors. These colors help to highlight the details and enhance the mask's symbolism.
Functional Elements
In addition to being decorative, many tribal masks are designed to be functional. Tribal masks from Africa, for instance, have perforations for the eyes, nose, and mouth. These openings allow wearers to see and breathe while engaging in dances or rituals.
Some masks also feature straps or ties made from animal leather or plant fiber. The primary function of these features is to secure the mask to the wearer's head.
Symbolism and Ornamentation
So, above, we've only looked at the basic features of tribal masks. Every community has its own way of decorating these masks using beads, shells, feathers, and metal. These additions serve both aesthetic and symbolic purposes. In most cases, these ornaments are used to denote rank, gender, or the specific function of the mask.
Many African masks, for instance, have a visage with cowrie shells and metal inlays to elevate the status of the wearer. Similarly, masks used in fiestas in some Latin American countries have feathers and beads, making them more appealing.
These tribal masks are mostly meant for preserving age-old traditions. People, however, use them differently nowadays. The way folks use these masks has changed over the years. Below are some of the most common situations where these tribal masks are used.
Cultural Festivals
Wearing these masks helps most communities celebrate their heritage. The masks are thus indispensable in their cultural festivals. Participants wear them during dance, music, and artistic expression.
For example, the Carnival in Brazil uses colorful masks to represent the diverse cultural heritage of the people. This tribal aesthetic decor unites the communities and draws tourists interested in experiencing authentic tribal performances.
Art and Collectibles
While most tribal masks are for performance, some showpieces are not for use. Instead, they take the form of art and are only for display. Many tribal masks are collected as artifacts. Collectors buy the masks for different reasons. Some do it for the historical significance of the mask, while others value the craftsmanship that went into making it.
In recent cases, some people also display these masks at home or in their office as interior decoration. The rare and authentic nature of these masks adds to their aesthetic appeal and makes them a valuable addition to any space.
Educational Purposes
Institutions such as museums and cultural organizations have these masks in their artifacts collections. They herein use them to teach people about the relevant cultures and their beliefs. The above institutions use the masks in exhibitions and workshops. They help people understand the artistic practices and spiritual customs of various tribes.
Spiritual Practices
If the masks have to be used in spiritual ceremonies, they have to be authentic. These are the only ones that offer the wearer the desired effect. The tribes still using these masks in their spiritual practices do so to connect with the divine.
For these communities, the masks go beyond being art. They are sacred items that facilitate communication with ancestors and supernatural beings. The wearers transform into powerful mediums when they put on these masks.
Modern Performances
Even with the passing of many old customs, the current generation still incorporates tribal masks into modern entertainment. For example, many dance troupes and theatrical performances use these masks. They primarily do this to explore themes of identity, colonialism, and cultural conflict. The trouble is that most of these performances are usually staged in major cities with no connection to the original tribes.
As said above, tribal masks are mainly used as show pieces to replicate history. These masks, however, also need proper maintenance to ensure they last longer. Below is a list on how to best take care of these masks.
Cleaning
Gently dust the mask weekly using a soft, dry cloth or a feather duster. Never use water or cleaning products on the masks. Water damages wood, while some cleaning products ruin the paint.
For deeper cleaning, consult an expert on how best to do it.
Repair
Many tribal masks break due to age or improper handling. While it is always better to consult a pro to fix a mask, some might be too expensive to take to a repair shop. If the wearers can repair the mask without having to make them, then doing so is better. They will also avoid the use of super glue when repairing the masks. This product damages the material's light and therefore should not be used.
Storage
If not in use, keep the masks in a dry area away from direct sunlight. They also dislike humidity. Wrap each mask in cotton or acid-free tissue paper to protect it from dust and light.
Handling
Minimize handling of the masks. When necessary, wear gloves to avoid transferring oils from the skin to the masks.
Much as people love displaying tribal masks in their homes, choosing the right one isn't easy. One has to consider several factors to buy an authentic yet stunning mask. Below are some of these factors people should consider.
Cultural Authenticity
The most important factor is the cultural significance of the mask. Each tribal mask is unique to the community from which it originates. Therefore, folks should ensure the mask they are buying is representative of the culture it comes from. Also, ensure that the masks are made from materials that are native to the community. A community will, for instance, use wood, metal, or clay to make a mask.
Size and Proportions
If one intends to display the masks, they should consider buying medium-sized ones. Making a performance mask large enables it to be seen from a distance. On the other hand, a performance mask often needs openings. The reason is that the performer needs to see and breathe through the mask.
Artistic Value
People should also take a mask's craftsmanship and artistic value into account. What material did the artist use to cut the mask? Did they cut it by hand, or do they use modern-day machines? Were the details meticulously carved, or are they more simplified? How intricate are the mask's patterns and decorations?
Condition
Avoid tribal masks that look worn out with broken parts. Experts have said that they should not even buy these masks as they are. People have to do so because the masks might have hidden structural problems. Besides, they look unappealing.
Instead, folks should only buy masks in good condition. Cracks, chips, and peeling paint are first signs the mask is in bad shape. Also avoid any masks that are missing components. They will only make the mask look incomplete. But worse, the repairs might be too costly.
Purpose of Purchase
People also need to consider why they are buying the masks in the first place. Is it to celebrate cultural events, as decorative pieces, or as gifts? For instance, one needs a mask when buying it for a cultural event. But if purchasing for artistic purposes, prioritize quality and aesthetics over the authenticity of the culture.
A1. These masks bear bright colors as they have to appeal to and thus engage the audience. Besides, they also make it easier to identify particular characters in these performances.
A2. No, not all masks are for the face. While some are for just adornment, others cover the whole head. Others even cover the entire body.
A3. Many ancient cultures believe that the deceased will wear a mask to protect them from evil spirits. In these cultures, masquerades performed a death mask that helped the soul transition smoothly from the living to the dead world.
A4. The craftsman chiefly uses wood to make these masks. However, others use clay, metal, and natural fibers to make the masks. Some tribal masks are even composites of these materials.
A5. Most of these masks are not so heavy. The artists who made them ensure they are as lightweight as possible. After all, performances may take hours. Wearing a heavy mask can be very uncomfortable.
