Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The role of the mask is, however, changing. Christianity, Islam and the 20th century have all had a major im-
pact on the animist masked dances of West Africa. Many dances are no longer performed, and others have trans-
formed from sacred rituals to forms of entertainment. Since the arrival in Africa of tourists and collectors, artisans
have begun to produce masks for widespread sale. Although this is a departure from the mask's role in traditional
society, tourism can serve to keep artisans employed in their traditional art - evidence, perhaps, that masking tra-
ditions are never static and continue to transmute over time.
It's still possible to see masked dances in West Africa, although they may be specially arranged 'tourist per-
formances'. Getting to see the real thing is often a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
The mask is only part of a complex costume that often covers the dancer's entire body.
Made of plant fibre or cloth, often with elaborate appliqué, the costume is usually com-
pleted with a mane of raffia surrounding the mask. Most masks are associated with dance,
although some are used as prestige symbols and are worn as amulets.
