Masks can be used for a wide-range of purposes. They range from ephemeral body paintings to sculptures made to last for generations. Used by all cultures they have existed since the beginning of history and used by every culture to celebrate key moments in the lives of people and their communities.
Often reduced to their museological settings and viewed simply as facial component, masks should rather be seen as a whole wherein costumes, performance and the body transfigure.
This exhibit tells you about the history, customs and trans-figurative properties of the museum’s wonderful mask collection.
Ndunga mask (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
The "Ndunga" is a type of mask used among the Woyo peoples (Angola), given the designation of "Mbefia", for the representation of a Nkisi, spirit of the earth, it is used in the context of ritual dances.
Wara bilen kun mask (2001-2003) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
The "Wara bilen kun", or 'Head of the Red Monkey', is a mask in painted wood, which depicts a baboon or a monkey, used in a type of theatre, of pre-colonial origins, in which masks and puppets coexist in the same play ("tulon").
Strongly promoted after the independence of Mali in 1960, as an integral part of Mali's cultural heritage, and being valued by separate communities as a means of communicating their moral values. In recent years this type of theatre has nevertheless been threatened and persecuted by the growing Islamic fundamentalism in the country.
Hemba mask (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
The "Hemba" is a helm mask in painted wood, used by the Hemba (Angola) during the rituals of puberty. On top of the head, a painted cloth hat is surmounted by the figure of a bird.
Mask, Yoruba group (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This mask is used by the Yoruba people in the annual ceremonies of "Odun Egungunin", in honor of the dead.
This full body mask, which represents an ancestor, or "Egungun", is made from a wooden structure, covered with a set of strips of fabric of different shapes, colors and textures, sewn together and arranged in layers.
On its front, a rectangular net is placed in the area of the face of the dancer, allowing him to see at the exterior.
Elmet mask (19-20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This element mask, made from painted wood is used by the character of the "seducer" in the Géledé, a festival held annually by the Yoruba (Nigeria) in the dry season, between March and May, in celebration of the primordial mother, Iyà Nlà, and the community’s female ancestors.
Géledé was registered by UNESCO in 2008, in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, after its proclamation in 2001 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Mask worn by the Baulé-Nanafoué (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This wooden mask is used in rituals among the Baulé-Nanafoué (Ivory Coast).
Mask, Matapa (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This "Chipepa" Mask is a representation of an ancestor. It is used in male initiation rituals by the Matapa, or Kongo-Dinga peoples in Angola.
Mask of Mapiko (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This helmet mask made from wood has human hair applied to its top. It is used by the "Lipiko" and represents the main character "Mapiko" during male initiation rituals of the Makonde.
Hemba mask (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This "Hemba" is a helmet mask made from wood showing a human head of naturalistic expression.
Its top is decorated with incised geometric lines and motifs and surmounted by an animal, possibly an antelope. Used in the closing ceremonies of the male initiation rituals, among the Suku (Angola).
Dungh'bé wooden mask (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This "Dungh'bé" is a wooden mask representing the head of a cow, with with natural horns, glass eyes, leather ears and a half open mouth with its tongue sticking out. In the back, next to the piece of wood that forms the nape, a bird sculpted in wood. On both sides, fringes of palm leaf have been used. This mask is used by young Bidjogo of a pre-initiatory age classed as "cabaro" during ritual performances.
Baulé-Nanafoué mask (20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This wooden mask is used in rituals among the Baulé-Walebo (Ivory Coast).
Mask from the Trás-os-Montes region (19th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This wooden mask is used in traditional winter festivals of the region of Trás-os-Montes, in the northeast of Portugal, they are generally referred to as "Young men's Festivals", which until the mid-twentieth century constituted consisted in important rites of passage for male youngsters to adulthood in these communities.
Chocalheiro, mask (19-20th century) by Unknown authorMuseum of Ethnology & Museum of Popular Art
This wooden mask has a snake and apple carved its forehead. It is used by the character "Chocalheiro", on the occasion of the collections for the celebrations of Our Lady and the of Child Jesus, on December 26th and January 1st respectively.
This type of mask is used in traditional winter festivals in the region of Trás-os-Montes, in northeast of Portugal. These are generally referred to as "Young men's Festivals", which until the mid-twentieth century constituted important rites of passage to adulthood amongst these communities.
Now that you know a lot more about the museum's mask collection, why not come and visit the museum to see if you can find some of these masks for yourself.
Coordination:
Paulo Costa
Director, Museu Nacional de Etnologia & Museu de Arte Popular
Text:
Paulo Costa
Director, Museu Nacional de Etnologia & Museu de Arte Popular
Digital Production:
Luis Ramos Pinto
DGPC
