Cultural Identities and Body Art Masks Around The World
Dec 23, 2015
Cultural Identities and Body Art
Masks Around The World
Cultures around the world celebrate a variety of
holidays and traditions in a number of ways with the
art of mask making.
Cultural Celebrations & Traditions
Mexico has many celebrations and traditions that use masks.
Folk Art, Wrestling (Lucha Libre), and other traditions.
Mexican Masks
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.
Chinese Masks
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.
African Masks
Masks from Indonesia usually involve characters or spirits from local stories or myths.
Masks are worn during performances.
Indonesian Masks
Ancient Egypt used masks for two purposes: Priests wore them during rituals and used them for burials.
Burial Masks
Tikis and Totems
Some cultures not only use masks to celebrate their identities but also
use symbols to decorate their bodies.
Cultural Symbols
The Maori people are native to New Zealand.
They are well known for their wood carvings and beautiful tattoos.
Maori Art
Masks are used for theatre and drama.
Henna body art is used for certain celebrations and ceremonies.
Indian Art
Masks have not been used solely for cultural
celebrations. They have also been used through out history for entertainment,
costume, and performance.
Performance and Play
Used through out time in performing arts and drama.
Typically seen in Rome and Greece.
Theatrical Masks
Used for carnivals and parties
Venetian Masks
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.
Contemporary Art
Contemporary figurative sculptor.
Reflection of the human condition.
Samuel Salcedo
Using a cultural tradition in a new way.
Recycled Materials
Romuald Hazoume
Influenced by movies, sci-fi, fashion trends, and music genres.
Steam Punk
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.
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?
Research Inquiries