Masks were used with elaborate costumes and would serve a multiplicity of functions. Masks would be danced to narrate the history of a people; to educate and entertain; to elevate a human to a supernatural position to judge; to heal; and to commune with the spirits.
Each people within a region developed highly recognizable artistic styles which distinguish them.
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Samo ArtistHorned Mask with superstructure, Late 19th-early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Bamana ArtistLion Mask, Late 19th - early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Mende ArtistMende Female Helmet Mask, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Mende ArtistMende Female Helmet Mask, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Dan ArtistDan Mask, tankagle, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Yaka ArtistYaka Mask with horned coiffure & double visor, Late 19th-early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Winiama ArtistCrest Mask, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Dan ArtistDan Mask, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Yoruba ArtistGelede Mask, Late 19th-early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Bobo ArtistCrested Helmet Mask, bolo, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Winiama ArtistMonkey Mask, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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Makonde ArtistMakonde Mask, lipiko, Early 20th centuryView more images and details
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