| One of the most common themes that are | | | | Benin. Brass was also used and was distinct to the |
| depicted in African art is that of a stranger, which | | | | Senufo and Ashanti tribe in Benin. Other materials |
| signifies the premium that Africans place on the | | | | include shells, beads, knitted materials, basketry |
| tribe to which they belong. Another way of | | | | and other fabrics. |
| depicting a tribe's unique set of beliefs is to depict | | | | Location |
| them in masks, which have been used in | | | | Apart from being able to distinguish the tribes that |
| traditional ceremonies that are associated with the | | | | used masks based on the materials they were |
| spirits of ancestors, fertility and initiation | | | | made of, you would also be able to distinguish the |
| ceremonies as well as rites of passage. These | | | | masks based on their distinct features. Masks that |
| ceremonies strengthen the bonds within a tribe | | | | come from Zaire or Zambia were larger-than-life, |
| since they emphasize strength as they welcome | | | | brightly colored, had projecting foreheads, large |
| more members and as they glorify the history of | | | | cheeks, and small eyes. Masks that come from |
| their ancestors. | | | | Tanzania, specifically from the Mekonde tribe, |
| Different materials used | | | | were often very realistic. A cloth was usually |
| Given that there are numerous tribes located in | | | | worn on the head by the wearer of the mask. |
| Africa, it can also be expected that there would | | | | African masks are very good examples of how |
| be a unique set of masks for each tribe. Usually, | | | | Africans depicted the value they placed on their |
| these masks can be distinguished from one | | | | tribes as these masks represented the unique |
| another based on the material used to make | | | | features of their people. In addition to this, the |
| them. One of the most common materials used is | | | | materials that each tribe used to make these |
| wood, which most tribes could find in abundance in | | | | masks also serve as "distinguishing marks" that |
| their area. Another material that is used is ivory, | | | | can help people identify one tribe from another. |
| which was commonly used by the Warega tribe in | | | | |