African masks

Looking at masks and headresses from Africa

Students aged 9 to 11 describe some of the masks on display in the Africa gallery.

African masks and headdresses are just one part of a masquerader’s performance, which includes costume, music, story and dance. Masqerades are still performed in Africa today as well as in many other countries around the world.

Back at school, the students made their own versions of the masks and headresses they had seen at the Museum.

During their visit, the students met an artist, Sokari Douglas Camp, who designs and builds masks - her work is on display in the Museum. The students were delighted to meet her and to talk about the objects in the galleries.