NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The breathtaking new exhibition at the New Orleans Museum of Art showcases masquerading cultures of West Africa. New African Masquerades: Artistic Innovations and Collaborations is on view at NOMA until Aug. 10. Through intricate details, adornment, wood, feathers, paints and fabrics, "masking tells the story of four different artists from four different distinct countries in West Africa. There are hundreds of masking traditions. The artists each chose one in four genres that they wanted to share with the American public," explains Amanda M. Maples, NOMA Curator of African Art. New Orleans nun abducted, released in West Africa dies at 86 For over 1,000 years, masking has gone on in the many distinct cultures on the African continent. Reasons such as sacred spiritual occasions, like the name of a chief or a funerary practice, drive masquerades. Celebratory entertainment and pomp and circumstance drives other masquerades; just like the masquerades of New Orleans. Hervé Youmbi is one of the artists with art on display at NOMA. One of his pieces was inspired by the popular horror movie Scream. "They used to call this type of mask the elephant mask. You can see that this part is like a trunk. There are two big circular ears. The face was inspired by the Scream mask from the movie. The Scream mask represents a skull. There is a classic belief in West Cameroon culture that focuses on the skulls of the ancestors," explains Youmbi. David Sanou is another artist. One very special piece he created was made in commemoration of his late father, who taught him how to mask. Monster Jam roars & rolls into the Superdome Masking is important not just as the beautiful art people see created or dancing in front of them. Masks are believed to be conduits of the spiritual realm and examples of the legacy of Africa's influence over the world. Maples says, "the masquerades on view here are not just pretty. They are gorgeous, shiny and spectacular. There's bling! There are also deep connections to long-standing societies, long generations of grade, global economies. You get to see that tangible and intangible connection to African histories from both the African continent, and this continent. I encourage everyone to come pay their respects to these cultures and visit this exhibition." Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Volksfest is German fun to celebrate spring at Deutsches Haus this weekend Senate vote-a-rama on Trump budget bill kicks off Fish Fry Friday at St Benilde in Metairie! Severe Threat Early Sunday. Delgado's win streak will be tested in upcoming series against top-ranked LSUE Chevron ordered to pay $740M for Louisiana coastal restoration ...read more read less