How to Use an African Art Ritual Mask

By Society & Culture & Entertainment Last updated Friday, April/12/2024

African Ritual Masks in Practice

1). During the ritual, the dancer who wears the mask enters a trance-like state through which he can communicate, in body and mind, with his ancestors of the past or other summoned spirits.
2). Messages received from the spirits are usually uttered in the grunts and groans of the dancer.
3). A translator will accompany the masked dancer to interpret the meanings of messages sent from the spirit world.
4). The messages often carry wisdom, warnings and guidance and are shared with the ritual observers and passed throughout the community.