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.
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