Throughout Africa mask dances are conducted as part of the Voodoo religion. These ceremonies are done to maintain the balance of life between the gods and humans. The Gelede dance is one of many mask dances performed throughout the year. Its purpose is to act “out daily life, and more often than not, the conflicts and misdeeds of the mortal man.” Another mask dance is the Engungun dance. In this dance the purpose is to “cleanse and reconcile the community and liberate it from burden.” If during this dance the mask touches you it shows the community you are guilty. If this happens you are “banished to a symbolic death” and you can only save yourself from this shame with an offering of money or alcohol to the mask. Men belonging to secret societies always perform these dances.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Voodoo Mask Dances
Posted by Meghan Somerville
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