Face protection

[nKante]

Thank you all! Jim, that is exactly what i was looking for. References of masks serving a duel purpose, spiritual and physical protection. Does it say what tribe or region the mask were worn in combat? I would see a failure as being wounded. I can see how someone wounded would feel out of favor with the spirits and need to appease them with a sacrifice. Maybe the masked warrior served more as a spirital motivator for the warriors of a tribe and did not actively engage in physical combat.

[Bill M]

I have several African "helmet masks" that cover the face from, Mambilla, Senofu, Igbo, Benin, Yaka, Burkino Faso, Bamana cultures -- but none that would offer much protection in battle.

Mine are of wood with leather and/or rattan, often shells -- cowrie being most popular -- embellishments.

These were all used in rituals. Most are designed to help the wearer achieve an altered state where he (or she, in the case of the Mende), became something more than just a person wearing the mask.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by nKante

Thank you all! Jim, that is exactly what i was looking for. References of masks serving a duel purpose, spiritual and physical protection. Does it say what tribe or region the mask were worn in combat? I would see a failure as being wounded. I can see how someone wounded would feel out of favor with the spirits and need to appease them with a sacrifice. Maybe the masked warrior served more as a spirital motivator for the warriors of a tribe and did not actively engage in physical combat.

Hi nKante,
The brief reference noted was found in a google search, and unfortunately did not give a tribal reference, however it does seem to me that warfare between many, if not most African tribes, was considerably different than that of our concept of all out combat. In my view, the use of psychological warfare was quite prevalent, and the idea of a masked warrior as a focal motivator or inspirational figure seems quite plausible. I would rely on those much better versed in African ethnography and society to offer more perspective though.

It does seem that many of the elaborately designed edged weapons and unusually featured examples might carry suggestive or fear inducing properties that often defy any practical explanation. Many of these very artistic creations are essentially ceremonial or bearing type weapons, and the masks are of course intended in the same sense.

Extremely interesting topic, and I hope others more specialized in African weapons and warfare will bring in more information. I think Bill's suggestion of transcendant potential with these ritual masks is very well placed, and seems to concur with your also well placed idea of a motivational warrior.

All best regards,
Jim