Title: AFRICAN FEST 99:  MASKING IN THE IMAGE OF THE SPIRIT

The Gorboi Masquerade was an important highlight to African Fest 99.  The
introduction of the mask at this year’s festival transcends symbolism.  This
revered mask, is the spirit of the Mende people of Sierra Leone, West
Africa.  The masked spirit plays a very important role in the social and
communual life of the Mende people.

The Gorboi is imbued with a natural value that is refined through a careful
and graceful portrayal of an imposing presence and sociable nature. To bring
out this personality, a good quantity of raffia is woven into layers of
skirts worn by the spirit.  Tiny replicas of wooden slates are inscribed
with Quranic verses by the hand of a marabout.  Marabouts are Quranic
scholars believed to be endowed with mystical powers through divine
intervention.

These inscribed slates are placed in a descending order, layer upon layer,
on the back of the Gorboi spirit.  This formation gives the spirit a higher
form that is simply kingly.  The kingly standing is emphasized by the
careful headwear that is decorated with a bright red cloth, mirrors and
cowry shells. These are both symbols of authority and grandeur.  This is
meant to incite both awe and respect, thus the imposing presence created out
of tons of layers of raffia.

Beyond its natural value, lies a ceremonial role in dance drama that the
community demands and deserves.  In a sense, it belongs to the realm of the
spirits.   Yet, it is the people’s spirit and therefore, dances with them to
the tune of their rhythm.   That is why they solemnly protect the spirit
through three staff-bearers scantily dressed in raffia skirts and triangular
designed dresses that are tied from the neck and over the belly.  The back
is exposed, except for the string holding the dress.  In their hands, they
carry a brand of cloth customarily worn as headwear by the women.  These
serve two purposes.  First, it identifies the three staff bearers as the
king’s protectors and foot soldiers.  Second, it is used as a fan to cool
off the spirit during the hot dry season.  The warrior spirit is evident in
this formation.


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