African Influences on Black Masking

Although Islam and Christianity are widespread throughout Africa, each ethnic group also has its own religion. Numerous traditional religions are still practiced across the continent, such as that of the Yoruba people, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups. What many of these belief systems share is a faith that both cosmology and the natural world consist of spiritual forces and a conviction that ancestors communicate with the living. Many of these belief systems also put great emphasis on active divine intervention in everyday life.

The corresponding African religious ceremonies are often communal and performative, involving music, dancing, chanting, singing, and masquerading, resulting in participants experiencing spiritual embodiments and transformations. These religions and worship practices are foundational attributes of Black spirituality in New Orleans, and aspects of this devotional style have made their way into carnival traditions. In addition, many maskers observe African religious practices in their lives and use Mardi Gras to express this publicly.


Please click on each image below for more information.

African Influences on Black Masking