Hawk Mask of the Bwa: What It Was For and Why It Matters
The hawk mask is danced as a protective nature spirit.
-
-
Butterfly Mask of the Bwa: What It Was For and Why It Matters
Butterflies are nature spirits for the Bwa.
-
Nwantantay Plank Mask of the Bwa: What It Was For and Why It Matters
Nwantantay plank masks honour the flying spirits of nature and water.
-
Poro Society Mask of the Senufo: What It Was For and Why It Matters
A general category covering the many mask types controlled by Poro, the Senufo men’s initiation institution.
-
Wanyugo Helmet Mask of the Senufo: What It Was For and Why It Matters
A senior protective helmet mask of the Poro society.
-
Kponyungo (Firespitter) Mask of the Senufo: What It Was For and Why It Matters
The kponyungo belongs to the Poro society and is worn in funeral processions, often over three days, to honour the dead and drive off evil spirits.
-
Wabele (Wambele) Helmet Mask of the Senufo: What It Was For and Why It Matters
The Wabele is a Senufo zoomorphic helmet mask related to the firespitter type, and its purpose is to combat harmful forces.
-
Kple Kple Mask of the Baule: What It Was For and Why It Matters
The kple kple is the youngest spirit in the Goli masquerade cycle and the least prestigious mask of the series.
-
Kpan Mask of the Baule: What It Was For and Why It Matters
The Kpan is the senior female face mask of the Baule Goli masquerade, and like all Goli masks it is danced by men.
-
What Is an African Mask For? The Money Question Nobody Wants to Ask
African masks sell for sums that could change the villages they came from. The economics of masks and the ethics of masks turn out to be the same question.
-
Mblo Portrait Mask of the Baule: What It Was For and Why It Matters
Mblo is a Baule theatrical genre of skits and solo dances, and the portrait mask is one of its highlights.
-
Tankagle Mask of the Dan: What It Was For and Why It Matters
An entertainment mask associated with singing, dancing and community celebration.