From MIM – Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix AZ
*Congo Masks and Music* explores the profound connections between masks and musical instruments, highlighting their roles within diverse masquerade traditions. These masquerades occur for various purposes—to educate, entertain, demonstrate power, and bridge the human and spirit worlds.
Masks symbolize powerful supernatural beings, brought to life in human, animal, or hybridized forms. Through music and dance, they dramatize and express different cultures’ worldviews, histories, religious beliefs, and moral values. Crafted from materials such as wood, feathers, beads, fiber, and metal, the masks exhibit extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship, representing the rich diversity of Congolese cultural groups.
*Congo Masks and Music* is the first exhibition to fully integrate masks and musical instruments within their authentic performance contexts. The collection includes an impressive array of instruments—drums, bells, rattles, whistles, thumb pianos, xylophones, and harps—paired with corresponding masks and full masquerade costumes. Many of the instruments are intricately designed to visually complement the masks they accompany.
Exclusive archival photography and video footage featuring masks and traditional music performed in ceremonies allows guests to fully experience one of Africa’s most vibrant traditions.YouTube Clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=13&v=3jFmtGLs4NM