The tradition of mask-making and masquerade can be found the world over, but no place is it as pervasive, diverse and rich as found in the traditional arts of West and Central Africa. Although these masks are often seen as works of art in the West, they typically were not intended to be a work of art. Interestingly, in many African societies there is not a word for "art." In 3 well-developed paragraphs select 3 different traditional African masks, each from a different African society. Discuss:
1. How is the mask used and what is its purpose?
2. Does putting the mask on display in some place like an art museum or gallery change what you think of it?
Be sure to explain your ideas clearly and support them by discussing specific works of art that you have read about this week, talking about how they illustrate and support your ideas.