1. Cultural Identities and Body Art

2. Cultures around the world celebrate a variety of holidays and traditions in a number of ways with the art of mask making.

3. Mexico has many celebrations and traditions that use masks. Folk Art, Wrestling (Lucha Libre), and other traditions.

4. Masks were used for thousands of years in China for rituals, dances, theatrical performances, and driving away evil spirits. There a variety of styles and purposes.

5. Tribal African masks usually represent some sort of spirit that is believed to posses the dancer during rituals and ceremonies. Other masks are used for initiation and other celebrations.

6. Masks from Indonesia usually involve characters or spirits from local stories or myths. Masks are worn during performances.

7. Ancient Egypt used masks for two purposes: Priests wore them during rituals and used them for burials.

9. Some cultures not only use masks to celebrate their identities but also use symbols to decorate their bodies.

10. The Maori people are native to New Zealand. They are well known for their wood carvings and beautiful tattoos.

12. Masks are used for theatre and drama. Henna body art is used for certain celebrations and ceremonies.

13. Masks have not been used solely for cultural celebrations. They have also been used through out history for entertainment, costume, and performance.

14. Used through out time in performing arts and drama. Typically seen in Rome and Greece.

15. Used for carnivals and parties

16. Masks are still used and created today for reasons other than cultural celebrations and traditions. The idea of the mask is used by a variety of contemporary artists.

17. Contemporary figurative sculptor. Reflection of the human condition.

18. Using a cultural tradition in a new way. Recycled Materials

19. Influenced by movies, sci-fi, fashion trends, and music genres.

20. Research a collection (AT LEAST 3) of cultures/artists that are recognized for cultural celebrations, costumes, and body adornment. Include photographs, information, sketches, and bibliography.

21. What are masks and body art used for, what are their different purposes? How do masks and body art define cultural identities? Are there differences or similarities between cultural and contemporary masks? What do you find interesting/compelling about the cultural symbols you are investigating?