Zaire Mask

As a child, I grew up in Rhodesia (now called Zimbabwe), there were several indigenous tribes that lived the territory. Some of whom shared the same tribal lineage and others who came originated from different areas. The masks represent the spirits of ancestors and are used in religious and social events to represent or to control the good and evil forces in the community. When worn they come to life, and are possessed by their spirit during dance performances held before tribal gatherings. Some combine both human as well as animal features to unite man with his natural environment. This bond between man and nature is very important to the tribes' members throughout the ages and have always been used to validate this relationship.