Masks From Around The World By: Stephanie Tang

What is a MASK??? A mask through the dictionary is an article covering for all or part of the face, in particular. But, a mask can not be easily defined by just a dictionary. Through art a mask is “an article normally worn on the face, typically for protection, concealment, performance, or amusement. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. They are usually worn on the face, although they may also be positioned for effect elsewhere on the wearer's body, so in parts of Australia giant totem masks cover the body, whilst Inuit women use finger masks during storytelling and dancing. ”

Masks of Egypt

The Egyptian Culture with Masks  According to the culture of Egypt, people are reborn after dying and death is but a temporary rest  People are reincarnated to live again  There are three things the body consists of, the ‘ka’, ‘ba’, ‘ahk’  In order to protect these things, the dead must go through mummification and wear masks in order to ensure a safe trip to the next life Masks of Egypt

What are they made for? Tutankhamen

What the Masks are Made out of  Various materials o At times plaster was applied to the face o At times linen wrapping was used and then molded and painted o First masks were carved from wood o Sometimes used gold o Cartonnage was used some times  Layers of Papyrus or linen was stuck with Gesso Masks of Egypt

The Visual Appearances  Often a mixture of an animal and a human  Mostly gold, but blue and black are also used to make emphasis on different parts of the mask  Modeled of gods from the Book of the Dead Masks of Egypt

Masks of Oceania

Oceania FYI  Oceania is a name people call around 14 or more islands, but definitions vary between people  Follow Dayak Mythology  Manifest spirits  Ceremonial  Get closer to their ancestors Masks of Oceania

What are they made for?  Spiritual Rituals  To show the elements of the Dayak Mythology  To model their ancestors in spirit form  For dancing in the ceremonies  To manifest these spirits they want to see  To show spirits respect and honor  Display  For traditions  Reminding of their culture  Decorates and invigorates the house Masks of Oceania

What are they made out of?  Wood  They carve the wood  They paint it after  I guess they use wood because they are small islands that don’t have as much prosperity to use gold or plaster Masks of Oceania

Visual Appearances  usually 12 inches or longer  very unique and different from each other  often have different colored stripes  often look like people but with extra shapes on top Masks of Oceania

Masks of the Caribbean

Caribbean Lives  Has a mixed culture  Influenced by Roman Catholics  Practice that religion  Christopher Columbus stumbled across the islands  Influenced by Africa a lot  Cultures are very similar  Hold carnivals from the Africans  Africans were the first inhabitants Masks of the Caribbean

What are they made for?  Celebrating Occasions  Festivals, carnivals, and masquerades  Shows tribal and society  Mirror their culture  Presents the ancient history  Passed down from generations  Usually made by skilled artist that reach a certain level Masks of the Caribbean

What are they made out of?  Mostly Paper Mache that is hand painted Masks of the Caribbean

Visual Appearances  Kind of scary  Very alike with the African Masks  Every mask is very different  Many different colors that create contrast  Give the image of society, culture, and traditions Masks of the Caribbean

Thank You and I hope you learned about different masks around the world!!!

Citations YKzC4TFtWFs71GJs6YsdtAZ4XAKuTuq86rE20yQ-TxkTliPlUNDD/egypt.jpg YKzC4TFtWFs71GJs6YsdtAZ4XAKuTuq86rE20yQ-TxkTliPlUNDD/egypt.jpg