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Masks are based on human and animal form or often a mixture
of both. Sometimes they are completely naturalistic, and often idealized;
sometimes formalized and abstract. It is generally possible to judge fairly
accurately the area from which a mask has come, for each tribe or subtribe has
developed its own conventions according to its own predilections and
traditions. Masks are worn not only in the front of the face; they may be worn
horizontally on the top of the head or tipped diagonally on the forehead. Some
masks fit over the head like a helmet, and tall headdresses are worn attached
to a tight-fitting cap of basketwork.
Some masks are deliberately terrifying and are used to scare away strangers,
especially women, from initiation rites and other ceremonies of the various
"secret" societies. Animal masks may be worn during agrarian
ceremonies accompanied by dance.
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Baluba
Baule
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