Do Grass Mask. Bwa. Boni Village. (Photo: artSTOR)
The Do Grass mask is made primarily of vines, grasses, and leaves. Other elements, such as basketry and feathers, usually are applied to the mask as well. Do masks embody the life-giving powers of nature. The leaves and fibers that are worn by the masqueraders are used to vanquish the elders’ masks in a mock battle of the masquerade[1].
The power of the masquerade is through the embodiment of the dancer. The masker wears the life-giving powers of nature and celebrates life. The power of the masquerade renews the forces of nature, and is also associated with the improvement of human fertility. Regeneration is a reoccurring theme in the Do grass mask through its nature and fertility[2].
[1] Dennis Duerden, The Invisible Present: African Art & Literature, (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 1975), 151.
[2] Monica Visona, Robin Poynor, and Herbert Cole, A History of Art in Africa, (New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2008), 156-157.
The Do Grass mask is made primarily of vines, grasses, and leaves. Other elements, such as basketry and feathers, usually are applied to the mask as well. Do masks embody the life-giving powers of nature. The leaves and fibers that are worn by the masqueraders are used to vanquish the elders’ masks in a mock battle of the masquerade[1].
The power of the masquerade is through the embodiment of the dancer. The masker wears the life-giving powers of nature and celebrates life. The power of the masquerade renews the forces of nature, and is also associated with the improvement of human fertility. Regeneration is a reoccurring theme in the Do grass mask through its nature and fertility[2].
[1] Dennis Duerden, The Invisible Present: African Art & Literature, (New York: Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 1975), 151.
[2] Monica Visona, Robin Poynor, and Herbert Cole, A History of Art in Africa, (New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc., 2008), 156-157.