Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art

About this Work

The Baining peoples are known for masks made of barkcloth over a wooden frame. These masks, used at a variety of events, range in form and are made by young members of a men’s society. The making and performance of these masks is taught by the older members to the newly initiated. Today these masks are danced for holidays and other important celebrations.

Kavat masks are used only in night dances, lit by firelight. The masks represent plants, animals, and cultural beliefs focusing on male contributions to society. The form of the mask often relates to what the mask is representing. As this mask is rounded at the top, it is thought to represent a leaf spirit. Masks that split at the top, a common form, likely represent spirits associated with the forks of trees. While only the senior men know all of the mask’s symbolism, women and children are also included in the audience for these performances.