African Masks History and Meaning

I found a website with an article called African Masks History and Meaning. In the article it explains the history and meanings behind Africa's fascinating mask. African masks date back to past the Paleolithic times. African masks were and are still used out of materials such as leather, metal, fabric, and different types of woods. Masking ceremonies have been a great cultural and traditional significance. The religious and ceremonial values of the use of these mask has brought great insight and value of the art. African mask who worn by dancer during celebrations, initiations, crop harvesting, war preparation, and peace and trouble times. Mask can be worn covering the face, as helmits, or as a crest. Africans believe that the individual wearing the mask possesses the spirits of the ancestors. Masks that are for human ancestors or totem ancestors these ancestors are beings or animals in which a clan or a family can trace its ancestry are objects of family pride. These masks may be given ceremonies. In these ceremonies dancers go into a deep trance, and "communicates" with his ancestors. The dancer gets words of wisdom from his ancestor. Due to the developement and government, Africa people have lost their tribal identity and culture, which makes masking ceremonies no longer common.

The Zulu

I searched for different tribes in Africa, and I found a website about the Zulu people. The Zulu people are of the largest ethnic group in Southern Africa. They believe that they are descended from a chief of the Congo area. They believe their ancestors migrated south and long the way picked up many of their traditions and customs from the San, who had also inhabited the Southern region of Africa. During the 17th and 18th centuries many of their villages were handed over to British conrol, which caused much conflict about the Zulu people. They were very unhappy that they lost their power and control of their own land and went to war agains the British, but unfortunately lost. In 1879, the Zulu attempted again to go to war with Britain and to gain their land back, but failed once again. In 1906 there was another fight against the British. The Zulu simply wanted to gain their ancient kingdom back.

The Zulu believe in a god called Nkulunkulu. This god does not interact with humans and does not have any interest in their everyday lives. Because of this reason, the Zulus interact with spirits using divinations on a day to day basis. All misfortunes including natural disasters, and natural misfortunes are a result of evil sorcery, or offended spirits. The Zulu are well known for their beautiful colored beadings and pottery. Today 50% of the Zula are living in cities and doing domestic work, and the other 50% are working on farms.