Mask from Zambia
Mask from Zambia
This large masks was made by the Mbunda people of Zambia.
Masks, music and dance go hand in hand, something that is not obvious when masks are displayed in museum showcases as pieces of art. Masks are worn to transform a person from a human being into a spirit, god or mystical figure. Costume, dance and music are added for maximum impact.
Village elders or important people within the community dress in masks and costume to represent the spirits or gods they want to influence their lives. Completely transformed and totally unrecognisable, the presence of a masked image on a special occasion would be dramatic, bringing out different emotions from the audience, from awe and excitement to amazement.
Information provided by the Rhodes Museum, Bishops Stortford
The collection of African artwork on display at Bishop’s Stortford Museum was collected as a result of Western contact with Africa. It shows a wide range of artistic styles from different geographical areas. During the 19th century European explorers, missionaries, colonial officers and soldiers brought back objects from Africa to be displayed in museums and private collections around the world. Objects were often taken without knowledge of who made them, when they were made and what they were used for.
