African Masks

In most traditional African cultures, the person wearing the mask does what?

• Turns into a spirit represented by the mask itself
• Becomes the leader of the tribe
• They are given new duties/jobs within the tribe
• Speaks to the gods

This is an example of an African mask because

• The proportions are not realistic 
• The colors used are bold 
• There are many different decorations
• all of the above

Materials used to make these masks would include everything except

• Metal
• Egg shells
• Animal teeth
• Wood

An antelope mask would symbolize

• grace

• Intelligence

• strength

• all of the above

An African mask with a large forehead would symbolize

• Age
• Wisdom
• Power
• Strength

Why do we stylize African masks?

• To represent something important to a person or culture
• The style depends on what is popular at the time
• Only for artistic purposes
• To dress up

African masks are most commonly shaped as

• A human face that is very realistic
• A geometric shape
• A stylized human face or muzzle of some animal
• An organic shape

African masks are most commonly worn at

• Weddings
• Funerals
• Initiations
• All of the above

Masks that represent ancestors were commonly shaped as

• A god
• A replica of what that ancestor looked like
• A human skull
• An animal 

One characteristic of a mask that represents the female face would be

• Almond shaped eyes
• Bright colors
• Long hair
• Thicker chins