Question

What is the function of the Portrait mask (Mblo)?

1) To honor an individual during Mblo performances
2) To represent the beauty and dancing ability of Moya Yanso
3) To protect the wearer during performances
4) To be used as a decorative piece when not in use

Answer 1

The main purpose of the Portrait mask (Mblo) is to honor an individual as part of Mblo performances, reflecting the importance of masks in cultural and ceremonial contexts such as those observed in the Benin Kingdom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the Portrait mask (Mblo) is primarily to honor an individual during Mblo performances. These ceremonies are vital to the cultural and social fabric of societies like the Benin Kingdom, where masks serve to celebrate and cleanse, as well as to reinforce power structures.

Masks like these are not merely protective or decorative pieces; they carry significant cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meaning. They represent characters from myth and history, connect wearers to the divine, and are worn by royalty and elites during important rituals, embodying beauty, power, and the dual nature of kingship.

Answer 2

The main purpose of the Portrait mask (Mblo) is to honor an individual as part of Mblo performances, reflecting the importance of masks in cultural and ceremonial contexts such as those observed in the Benin Kingdom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of the Portrait mask (Mblo) is primarily to honor an individual during Mblo performances. These ceremonies are vital to the cultural and social fabric of societies like the Benin Kingdom, where masks serve to celebrate and cleanse, as well as to reinforce power structures.

Masks like these are not merely protective or decorative pieces; they carry significant cultural, spiritual, and symbolic meaning. They represent characters from myth and history, connect wearers to the divine, and are worn by royalty and elites during important rituals, embodying beauty, power, and the dual nature of kingship.