Masks like this one are worn in masquerades that take place at funerals to honor important people. The materials and animal features combined on the mask are associated with status and leadership. The shells were once used as money and represent wealth. The beard-like ruff of the large colobus monkey refers to powers of the forest. A trunk projecting upward and over the front of the mask represents the elephant, the supreme symbol of leadership.

Discussion Questions:

Use the close-up view to look carefully at the Kuba mask.

• Describe the texture of each material and how it would feel if you touched it.
• Look at the surface patterns formed by these materials.
• Describe the repeating patterns that you see.
• What might make you think that this object is important?
  
  

Activity:

• Make your own animal mask!

Steps:

1. First, plan your mask by drawing it using the mask activity sheet.
2. Cut eye holes in your paper plate for seeing.
3. Make animal features out of the materials you have found. Glue or tape the features to the mask.
4. Glue the tongue depressor to the back of your plate.
   
   
   

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