Not Carnival masks but foundation of traditions spreading throughout World.

I have covered a great deal in a very short space. And maybe bitten off more than I can realistically substantiate. Every time I read about background to masking, asque and Masquerade I find that these factors stand out. The links between traditions in all parts of world hold common elements. If we accept our common ancestry then it makes sense.

Simply it comes down to this. When you find that there are similar elements behind masking traditions in Africa and North America then we have to accept that there is a common influence in play. (It could of course be interpretation of academics who have influenced my studies with their own agendas.) These same structures of; reverie of ancestors, links with dead, seasons of harvest, growth and planting, fertility, good and evil all crop up time after time. In many cases they are linked further by some kind of Fool taking part in enactment.

What really fascinates me is that these links are embedded in our modern cultures through masquerade, carnival and other traditions such as Halloween and Day of Dead celebrations.

Amazingly these European traditions, superstitions, and links to ancient practices, have passed into other cultures in South, Central and North America plus of course Caribbean. How has this happened?

The European conquerors took their traditions of festivals to Americas. These festivals embodied elements of earlier pre Christian times. The settlers changed local festivals to embody Christian elements. So that when today we view masquerade and Carnival it is possible to recognise Mayan or Inca festivals on which they were based. Christian celebrations introduced by Conquistadors and other settlers are a mixture of elements. When addition of African influence is added to Carnival. An interesting picture can be seen.

Carnival masks are, in my opinion, related back to earliest of times.

For me it is a circle. A circle of belief based upom prehistoric understanding that underpin our fundamental nature as people. Our prehistoric mystical belief system from past are now amalgamated on all continents. Probably some people who participate in these festivals understand their true nature. Our present position is to use this understanding of our common ancestry to build a forward looking route to future. All this from looking at masks.

Your thoughts and feelings upon this would be most welcome.

© Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207 http://mask-and-more-masks.com You may use this article freely on condition that you include this copyright line and URL and that people who subsequently use this article follow same conditions. Thank you for accepting these conditions.

Guinea-Bissau Republic of Guinea Sierra Leone Mali Liberia Ivory Coast Upper Volta Ghana Nigeria Cameroon

Within each of these countries can be found ancient traditions associated with individual tribes displaying common links. The areas associated with some groups cross boundaries. The names of different tribes is too extensive to list at moment.

Equatorial Africa

Congo Zaire Zambia

Similar themes and traditions are found with masks from this area when compared with those of Western countries. In early Fifteenth Century well established Kongo people had close contact with Portuguese and later some converted to Christianity. This has had some influence on type of festivities and masks. The Kongo dominated various tribes in area of these Woyo and Yombe produced notable mask The Ndunga masks of Woyo were larger than life size and had projecting foreheads large cheeks with small eyes, surface of these faces was painted with white or brightly coloured asymmetrical designs.

The Western Pende on Kwilu River in Zaire have two major types of mask. The Minhajl, which represent ancestors and Mbuya which represent various village characters such as fool, prostitute, chief etc. These masks are used in reinforcement of social control. The amusing performances are brightened by triangular faces of masks with bulging eyes, open mouths containing carved teeth painted in a variety of colours. The more powerful Minganji masks are simpler circular forms made from raffia with tubular eyes and no other features. All masks are constructed in secret away from village.

In Makenda circumcision ceremony Mbuya appear from out of bush and dance in village square until dusk. As sky darkens, Minganji, masked dancers, materialise and move around village at a distance, helping to develop sense of awe and unease. In secret circumcision camp initiated youths are allowed to handle mask as they are now fully fledged members of society.

Many other styles are found in these areas.

East Africa

Tanzania and Mozambique are both home to Mekonde one of best know tribe of mask makers in East Africa. The Mekonde masks come in various styles, southern groups using helmet type. The features of these masks are often realistic and are worn with a cloth covering head of dancer. Scarification is used. The characters represented are familiar to local people:- old man, doctor, young woman and Arab, some animal masks are found.

Over view

It must be noted that masks of Africa represent a wealth of forms and designs which have been well collected and catalogued. The total range is by no means represented here. The common connections between masks and different groups are obviously strong.

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© Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207 http://mask-and-more-masks.com You may use this article freely on condition that you include this copyright line and URL and that people who subsequently use this article follow same conditions. Thank you for accepting these conditions.