African Masks: Dan and Senufo - Essay Example

Insert African Masks: Dan and Senufo African Masks are a form of art that have been synonymous with traditional Africanrituals and festivals for many centuries, especially among communities living in the sub-Saharan and West Africa. Although, the fine implications related to masks used in rituals vary across African cultures, there are a few commonalities: for example, spiritual and sacred meanings are attached to masks which are worn in ritual dances and religious functions in the society (DeLand 507). A unique status is associated with skilled persons who create masks for traditional ceremonies and those who put them on during such occasions. In a number of occasions, the creation of art is inherited by children of the artists, particularly the unique skills used to create the symbolic touches on such African masks. According to Russell, masks are an indispensable part of the African culture. As a result, the different pieces of art have had a substantial influence on the art of Western countries (12). During the twentieth century cubism and fauvism in the West, the prevailing themes of cultural movements are believed to have been influenced by the rich and diverse aspects of the African heritage embodied in the masks (DeLand 506). Effects of these cultural influences in the world are available in other cultural movements, particularly in the South and Central American Carnival ceremonies where masks must grace the occasion. Senufo Masks and Dan Masks are examples of common African Masks with deep, coded meanings. Subjects As the respect of past ancestors is an imperative element of nearly all African customary cultures, it is common knowledge that the departed persons must form part of the subject represented in the masks (DeLand 508). Masks symbolizing the ancestors are usually shaped like the skull of a human being. Dan and Senufo are basically human skulls with closed eyes symbolizing the dead. It is arguable that these two pieces of art are a special category of African ancestor masks made as tribute for prominent persons who made significant impacts in the history of the communities. Dan Masks and Senufo Masks are an important part of traditional African masks with rich meanings behind the fine art works as seen from an outward appearance. Materials and form The African masks are commonly made of wood, however light stones and metals, fabric, and ceramics have also been used. A number of masks were decorated with ochre and or other naturally existing dyes. Other decorations such as projections and carvings have also been used particularly on Senufo and Dan masks. The end result is African masks being shaped like the face of a human being or some muzzle of an animal, though, presented in a clearly abstract form. As Russell has indicated, the commonly used abstract form of a number of African masks and other genres of art is due to the fact that members of the local cultures can easily read the hidden meanings (12). In most cases, the interpretation of the coded message is the main reason behind the creation of the items. Dan Masks It is notable that Dan masks were designed with an outstandingly high forehead, open lips, closed mouth and narrow chin. The Dan masks have vertical scarification line that divides the face into two parts as indicated in the picture (fig 1). The artists of the Dan masks reportedly curved it out of wood before applying a brown color to it (Alivizatou 176). The piece of art is one of the spiritually rich objects embodied in the African art. The Dan communities whose native homes extend from the western part of the Ivory Coast into Liberia have historically used the art for protection from evil spirits and as a conduit for connecting them with the spirit world. According to Alivizatou, the communities also carry portable masks for individual protection whenever they are venturing out of their homes (176). In addition, when a performer covers their face with the mask while doing a gig, he is believed to assume the spiritual powers of that mask. A masked performer will utter the spirits words prompting a wise man to interpret the words for laypersons. Some dancers accomplish masked ceremonies on stilts. A variety of Dan masks are available, with each having a definite use in certain occasions. Whereas some of the masks are indispensable in communal rites, others are just for theatre (DeLand 521). The Dans consider their world as divided into two primary spheres: the physical sphere which is the representation of the real environment complete with people, and the coded, rather unseen spiritual sphere which is symbolized by the natural sceneries and the spirits. Most probably, the two worlds best explains the reason behind the artist’s impression of a divided face of the Dan Mask. Senufo Apart from Dan Masks, Senufo Masks are also an important of the African Masks. The latter piece of art is a creation of professional artists who lead isolated lives away from the rest of the community. Senufo masks integrate aspects of animals and man in a whole unit as indicated in figure 2. The Senufo artists are highly respected within their communities as members of their communities believe they have the power to create a link through their art work which the living people can exploit to consult their fallen ancestors (DeLand 513). As Kleiner has said, Senufo masks are an important part of the ceremonies of the Poro society (215). The society is an organization whose primary objective is to train boys on cultural practices and responsibilities required of them when they become adults. The Senufo adore their ancestors such as Kolotyolo or the ‘Ancient Mother’, whom the community believes is so powerful that whoever wants to speak to her must carefully pass through less powerful gods. The Senufo Masks embody these lesser gods and serve as a conduit for communication with the dead. The item is common in the territory overarching a number of West African countries like the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana and South Mali. Conclusion Generally, the uniqueness of traditional African masks has contributed to their popularity both in Africa and the rest of the world. African masks are particularly the origin of artistic influences in the North American and South American Carnival costumes. Stylish elements which make the masks popular are hidden in the folklore and certain communities normally identify themselves with them for aesthetic purposes. Others use them as important religious and spiritual symbols. Dan masks and Senufo masks are particularly important West African art with deep religious and spiritual connotations among the Dan communities and the Senufos respectively. Fig. 1 Dan Mask Fig 2. Senufo Mask Works Cited Alivizatou, Marilena. Critical Cultural Heritage Series. New York: Left Coast Press, 2012. Arty Factory. “African Masks – Senufo and Dan Masks.” Arty Factory, 12 Sep. 2010. Web. 15 Feb. 2014. . DeLand, Lauren. Black Skin, Black Masks: The Citational Self in the work of Glenn Ligon. Criticism, 54.4 (2012): 507-537. Kleiner, Fred. Gardners Art through the Ages: Non-Western Perspectives. New York: Cengage Learning, 2009. Russell, Agnes. Exploring Visual Arts: Easy-to-use, Easy-to-follow Art Projects.: New York: R.I.C. Publications, 2010. Read More