North American Ceremonial Tribal Masks

Native American tribes in North America used different styles of masks in ceremonies. They constructed the masks from natural materials such as wood, leather, feathers and fur.

Arctic

• The Inuit tribes of the Arctic coast made their ceremonial masks out of animal skins, driftwood and bones. They used the masks in ceremonies surrounding prosperous seasons of hunting.

Northwest Coast

• Known for their woodworking skills, the Native American tribes of the Northwest Coast incorporated woodworking in the construction of ceremonial totem poles and masks. They painted the carved masks with vibrant dyes and animated the moving parts on the masks by pulling strings.

Midwest

• Native American tribes in the middle sections of America often made masks out of leather, feathers, fur and leaves. During ceremonies, the masks often represented the presence of gods and spirits.