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Americian Mask

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Running Header: AFRICIAN ANCIENT MASKS

African Ancient Masks
Kie Morrison
Hum 111
Professor Dodson

AFRICAN ANCIENT MASKS In African masks can be traced back to well past Paleolithic time from 1875 to 1925. These art objects were, and are still made of all kind of material; included are leather, metal, fabric and various types of wood. African masks are considered amongst the finest creation in the art world today. Many of these African masks pieces can be viewed in museums and art galleries all over the world today. Masking ceremonies in Africa have great cultural and traditional significance. The latest developments and understanding of Aesthetic principal, religious and ceremonial values, have brought a grate insight in to the ideas and moral values the African express in their art.
During the celebration, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, peace and trouble times, African masks are worn by a chosen or initiated dancer. It can be worn in three different ways. The three different ways the African masks can be worn is: Vertically covering the face: as helmets, encasing the entire head, and as crest, resting upon the head, which was commonly covered by material as part of the ancestors. Ritual ceremonies generally depict deities, sprouts of ancestors, mythological beings, good and evil. The dead animal’s spirits and other beings believe to have power over humanity. Masks of human ancestors or totem ancestors are often objects of family pride.
The dancers that has been selected or chosen for the African mask ceremony goes in to a deep trance and connect and communicate to his ancestors. During the mask ceremony a wise man accompanies the wearer of the mask and help translate messages decipher the meaning. Rituals and ceremonies are always accompanied with music, songs, dancing, played with traditional African Music instruments.
There are many kind of African mask, but the most popular is the Elephant mask. Elephants, leopards, and buffalo are often associate with political power I, like the Stratified kingdoms of Cameroon grassland. The bead work is an important part of making the Elephant masks, a potent symbol of power. In order to wear one of these Elephant mask, you have to be a member of royal families, courts officials, wealthy tittles holders, and important warriors are admitted to the Kuosi masking society that use them.

The two pictures above are two of many African masks that are out the world. Till this day the African wearers still dance and wear the mask. The tradition will continue on throughout many more centuries to come. I find that that the ceremonies and the translating of the message from other ancestors and something wonderful and great that the African culture do. I would like to travel to Africa and see where I come from and learn more about my ancestors. I have learned a throughout the course. Going to the Hine Museum as shed a lot of light on my background and my ancestors that are out there in the world. I feel everyone should know where they come from and know their ancestors.

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