Glossary
Age-group or age-grade: A group of people
of approximately the same age who together undergo certain rituals, e.g.,
initiation, and who owe each other lifelong support. Typical age groups
are children, adolescents, young adults, mature adults, and elders.
Ancestor: A deceased person, either immediate
or remote, from whom a family or clan traces its identify. Ancestors are
believed to be concerned with the welfare of their descendants and can intercede
on their behalf or punish them for improper behavior.
Culture: The full range of human activity,
represented by objects, buildings, rituals, etc., including religious practices
and beliefs and social organization.
Ephemeral: An event or object that lasts
for a markedly brief time. Something that is living or lasts only for a
day, as certain plants or insects do.
Masks: A physical object designed to cover
the face or the head.
Masquerades: An important event involving
masked dancers, musicians and their audience.
Myth: A traditional story that serves
to explain a practice, belief, natural phenomenon,or world view of a people.
Social Control: The maintenance of harmony
and stability in a community through enforcement of laws, including judging
disputes and punishing offenders. In many African cultures, masks and other
art objects play important roles in achieving social harmony.
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