West African Masks

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West African Masks
By Dana Munson Adrianna Thomas
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What shapes do you see? Do you see any patterns?
How do you create a pattern?
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Bold patterns are carved or painted with pigments
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Are masks 2D or 3D?
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If you were to fold these masks in half they be
the same on both sides.This is an example of
symmetrical balance.
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Where do these masks show negative space?
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Why do people create masks?
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• Artists hold a respected position in the
  community
• Masks are valued for their spiritual quality
• Part of a ceremonial costume
• During ceremonies the masks come to life through
  music and dancing
• Represents spirits of ancestors and controls the
  balance between good and evil

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• Use materials from the Earth such as wood,
  terracotta clay pottery, raffia and textiles.
• They are often decorated with cowrie shells,
  colored beads, bone, animal skins and vegetable
  fibers.
• Sometimes metals such as bronze, copper and brass
  are also used.
• Even the tools used for carving have spiritual
  qualities.

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Masks celebrate more abstract qualities like
nobility, beauty, courage, mischief and humor.
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• 20th century Artists such as Pablo Picasso and
  Andre Derain were inspired by African Art
• Sparked the Cubism movement (objects are broken
  up and re-assembled in an abstract form)

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How do these masks create emotion?
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Animals have long inspired Ideas for Mask Designs!
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What animals live in Africa?
Rhinoceros
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Lions
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Hyenas
Antelope
Leopards
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Ostriches
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Zebras
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African Cow
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Water Buffalo
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African Marsh Owl
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African Elephant
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African Hunting Dog
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African Rock Python
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How would you design a mask that represents you?
Some masks combine human and animals qualities
together!