When the word mask is mentioned, two events enter one's thoughts: Mardi Gras and Halloween.
In Africa, however, it is a way the culture organizes its society, said Marleen Hoover, professor of art history and art appreciation.
She will present a lecture in conjunction with Black History Month, following this year's theme "Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institution."
"Here we think of masks as part of Mardi Gras," she said.
The mask and masquerade tradition in Africa has a very different meaning even though it may accompany different dances and other activities, Hoover said.
She said masks and masquerades in Africa are divided among different "masking societies" where the masquerades and masks help define different civil institutions and responsibilities of a society.
"Their understanding of schools and other institutions is quite different from ours," she said, further saying that the African community uses masks and ritualistic dances to identify the role of a person within the community.
Hoover drew a comparison of the masks to a police uniform.
She said just like the color, the badges and design of the police uniform serves to identify the person wearing it as a police officer, similarly the mask signifies the role of the individual wearing the mask within the community.
The distinguishing factor that shows the role depends on the design, shape, color and the different adornments placed onto the mask.
She said when the masking tradition of Africa is compared to Mardi Gras, the difference is "Mardi Gras serves no social function."
These "masking societies" originated mainly from West Africa, she said.
There are many different regions in Africa, each with its own masking society, she said, adding that there are too many to list.
Hoover said each masking society has its own design of masks and method of defining the purpose they serve.
The masks vary in design from full face masks to some covering simply the eyes.
They are made from materials such as animal skins and wood, she said.
She said they are often adorned with a variety of bird feathers, beads and whatever other items available.
2008 Woodie Awards
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