Comparative Investigation - Igbo vs Kuba

In this investigation, I will be presenting examples of African masks from two different societies of people, the Igbo and the Kuba. I have provided background information in order to place the chosen masks within each culture group and time period. Throughout the information given over the next few pages, I intend to summarize the main aspects of the masks, as well as present both the similarities and differences in the masks of the Igbo and Kuba people.

There are eight million or so Igbo who occupy the forest and marshlan

Comparing the masks of the Igbo and Kuba people, as well as the history and use behind these masks, we find many similarities as well as differences. As for the social structure behind each group of people, the Igbo and their lack of centralization leads to many different styles and aesthetic qualities in their masks. The Kuba masks, although varying somewhat in style, are similar in many characteristics.

Igbo masks mainly focused on recognizing the spirits of deceased maidens and of the male nature spirit to reinforce the social structure of the Igbo communities, given the absence of a structured centralization. The variety of cultural influences within the Igbo tribe as a whole creates a rich assortment in stylistic features. In contrast, the Kuba people focus on the recognition of three specific entities. The types of masks used are distinctive in style with a range of specific behavior. Where the Igbo center mainly on unspecified spirits of the dead, the core of Kuba masking is much more specific.

There are three main masks used in public ceremonies, initiation rites and funerals. Each mask is distinctive in style with a range of specific behavior. One mask, the Mashamboy, represents the father of all creation. The king generally wears this mask uniting royalty with ancestral heroes. The second mask, the Ngaady a mwaash, symbolizes his sister/wife, the mother of all creation. This mask signifies beauty and the importance of female power. The third mask, the Bwoom, represents a commoner, or ordinary person. This mask represents the balance between the royal dynasty and the people of the kingdom. This trilogy of masqueraders defines the political system with its social roles6.

In contrast to the Mmwo society masks made of delicately carved white masks, we then have the Ekpo society of the south, which used contrasting masks during their ceremonies. The masks used were both the peaceful maiden-spirit masks and also elephant-spirit masks representing strength, aggression, violence and bravery4. These were darkened masks, or mgbedike, which are made of enlarged, grotesque features. These masks are meant to symbolize the elephant spirit (or male nature spirit), and expressed negative qualities to help publicly reinforce gender role differences. To the Igbo who created and danced with it, this mask represe

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