[Art Attack] History behind the African masks in Black Panther

Round Ashanti mask…photo credit: Primping Your Home

Ashanti Mask

The Ashanti masks come in several variations and are not used for ceremonial purposes. Rather, they are used as decorative pieces of art.

The Ashanti is a group native to the Ashanti region of Ghana.  Their empire was discovered in 1670 and formed in 1680 by Asantehene Osei Kofi Tutu I with the advice of his premier, Okomfo Ankoye.

The film does an awesome job of presenting the many historical gems in Africa; meshed together for a true representation of the rich culture present in the continent.