Where are African masks from?

African masks are created throughout the vast and diverse continent of Africa. Different regions and ethnic groups within Africa have their own unique and distinct mask-making traditions and practices.

Here are some examples of countries/regions within Africa known for their notable mask-making traditions:

- West Africa:

- Nigeria (for example, Yoruba, Igbo, and Benin masks)

- Ghana (including Akan and Baule masks)

- Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast, including Baule and Senufo masks)

- Mali (such as Dogon and Bambara masks)

- Liberia (including Gbande, Vai, and Kru masks)

- Sierra Leone (notable for Mende masks)

- Central Africa:

- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) (various ethnic groups including Kuba, Songye, Pende, Chokwe, and Luba masks)

- Cameroon (featuring Bamileke and Bamum masks)

- Gabon (known for Fang and Kota masks)

- Republic of the Congo (notable for Makonde masks)

- Central African Republic (featuring Ngbaka and Banda masks)

- East Africa:

- Kenya (with notable masks from groups like the Kamba, Kikuyu, and Makonde)

- Tanzania (featuring Makonde, Haya, and Maasai masks)

- Ethiopia (known for various ethnic groups' masks, such as the Amhara, Oromo, and Gurage masks)

- Southern Africa:

- South Africa (including Ndebele, Zulu, and Xhosa masks)

- Angola (Chokwe, Luvale, and Ovimbundu masks)

- Namibia (Himba and Herero masks)

- Zimbabwe (noted for Shona and Ndebele masks)

- Botswana (including Tswana masks)

Each region and ethnic group brings its own cultural significance, symbols, and beliefs to their mask-making artistry. African masks often play important roles in traditional ceremonies, religious rituals, festivals, and performances.