West African Masks

Another contribution from West Africans were masks. West African masks were commonly used for ceremonies for dead ancestors and each mask represented a different thing. The masks were used to bring spirits of ancestors into the present world. “Like sculptures, they were used to bring the spirits of gods and ancestors into the present” (15.4 West African Visual Arts). Another way masks were used were during ceremonies and dances. “Masks were worn during ceremonies, in performances, and in sacred rites” (15.4 West African Visual Arts). A final way masks were used were to represent animals and dead ancestors. This inspired modern artists to create detailed masks. “They have inspired a number of artists around the world” (15.4 West African Visual

Textiles are pieces of cloth that are often used to design clothes. In West Africa textiles would show stories and important events. “Story fabrics depict events” (15.4 West African Visual Arts). In West Africa textiles use to be a form of currency. Textiles are also used to make pillows, quilts, and more. “The influence of West African textiles can be seen in quilts made by African American slaves” (15.4 West African Visual Arts). A final way textiles were used was in applique's, applique's were a bunch of textiles put together to create a picture of story. “In applique, smaller pieces of fabric are attached to a larger, background piece to make designs or pictures” (15.4 West African Visual Arts). This shows what textiles were used for in West

West Africans have taught us about drums like the djembe and the conga drum. West Africans mostly use drums during parties, ceremonies and important events. “Drummers perform during parties, religious meetings, and ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. (15.3 West African Music). Another thing drums were used for were dances. During dances West Africans would use drums to create ensembles to use call-and-response with drums. “Sometimes drum ensembles use a call-and-response style” (15.3 West African Music.) A final thing about West African drums are that they were made of wood. The material for the drums were hollowed logs covered with animal skins at the top. “West African drums are made of hollowed-out logs or pieces of wood' (15.3 West African Music). This shows what drums were used for and what they were made out of in West