African Masks

In Africa, masks are functional works of art. They are meant to be used; they perform a social purpose. Seen on a wall or on a table, it may seem dull and static, but when used in storytelling or a ceremony, the mask takes on a life. As in 'The Lion King', many African masks are made to be worn over the head instead of over the face. They serve many ceremonial purposes: accepting a young man into manhood, exorcising evil spirits, capturing the invisible supernatural forces surrounding us. African masks are sometimes referred to as "spirit traps."