What does the Ligbi mask symbolize?

The Ligbi attach great importance to this bird, considering it one of mythical primeval animals, an attendant on the souls of the dead and a symbol of fertility. These masks are also popular among the do society.

What tribe is the Ligbi mask from?

Ligbi Mask from the Djimini Tribe of the Ivory Coast. In this type of masks, human features are combined with the powerful bill of the hornbill bird, which is the most distinguishing feature of these masks.

Where did the Ligbi mask originate?

The Ligbi are a small tribe, who live on either side of the border between the Ivory Coast and Ghana (where they originally lived). The present, typical Ligbi mask (see also cat. no. 34) is carved from hard, brown wood in oblong form, and coloured black.

Who wore the ligbi mask?

Ligbi masks are used in the celebration of Islamic holidays, especially the end of Ramadan. Ligbi masks are used in the celebration of Islamic holidays, especially the end of Ramadan. The dancers who wear these masks are noted for their elegantly synchronized movements as they dance in pairs.

What is the Senufo mask used for?

It is a carved wooden helmet mask, which means it is worn over the whole head, and is used in the funerals of the Senufo people. Members of the Poro society, a “secret men’s society,” wear it during the funeral ceremonies of their deceased members to honor them as well as well as ward off evil spirits.

What do horns represent on African masks?

This type of Baule mask is known as a Goli mask. It is used in dances during harvest festivals, in processions to honor distinguished visitors and at the funerals of important figures. The circular face represents the life-giving force of the sun and the horns symbolize the great power of the buffalo.

What do African colors represent?

The Pan-African flag’s colors each had symbolic meaning. Red stood for blood — both the blood shed by Africans who died in their fight for liberation, and the shared blood of the African people. Black represented, well, black people. And green was a symbol of growth and the natural fertility of Africa.