What’s Behind a Mask ?

1. What’s Behind a Mask ? Since at least Paleolithic times people have used masks. Made of wood, basketry, bark, corn husks, cloth, leather, skulls, papier-mâché, and other materials, masks may cover the face, the entire head, or the head and shoulders, and they are sometimes considered part of an accompanying costume. Masks vary widely in their realism or abstraction, their use of symbols, and their ornamentation. The making of masks is a primary artistic outlet in many cultures, and masks from Africa, Oceania, and the Native American cultures of North America are highly prized by art collectors.

2. Types of Masks • Ritual-The function of the masks may be magical or religious; they may appear in rites of passage or as a make-up for a form of theatre. Equally masks may disguise a penitent or preside over important ceremonies; they may help mediate with spirits, or offer a protective role to the society who utilize their powers

3. Types of Masks • Protective-used during war.

4. Types of Masks • Theatrical- mask were worn in theater productions in ancient times because the plays were often performed in large outdoor amphitheaters, it was difficult to see the details of the actor's face. The mask would help the audience see the intended emotion of the actor.

5. Banda Mask. Guinea. Nalu or Baga artist, late 19th or early 20th century. Wood, metal, pigment • The long, horizontal headdress is a composite of representations of the jaw of a crocodile, the face of a human being the horns of an antelope, and the curved tail of a chameleon. The combination of these features reflects the interaction between members of the community and their natural environmentToday, these masks are most often seen performing for entertainment on such occasions as visits by dignitaries, public holidays, or other festive occasions.

6. Fertility and Femine Beauty Female Mask,NimbaBaga peoples, Guinea Wood • The Nimba mask, one of the most massive used in Sub-Saharan Africa, symbolizes the power of life-giving fertility. It portrays the Baga vision of woman in her most powerful, beautiful, and socially impressive form. Her flat pendant breasts show that she has nurtured many children. Intricately braided hair in parallel rows, with a high crest down the center, and decorative facial scarification embellish her beauty. Nimba appears annually at the time of planting and harvesting rice. Strong men compete for the honor of wearing the heavy wooden headdress; the rest of the body is covered in raffia.

7. Beautiful AncestressMask, MwanaPwoChokwepeoples, Zaire and Angola • Among the Chokwe peoples, masked dancers perform in villages during the initiation period, when newly circumcised boys are secluded for instruction in the initiation lodges. The name of this mask means "young woman." It represents a female ancestor who died at a young age, and thus is a reminder of the theme of death which is part of the initiation experience of death and rebirth. The shape of the face is that of a deceased person, with sunken eye sockets and gaunt face. The "tears" carved under the eyes express the painful experience of loss through death.

8. What’s Behind a Mask? • Objective: To create a mask inspired by ancient Africa. • Sketch a design for your mask in your • sketchbook before you begin. • Form a base out of aluminum foil • in the shape o f your mask. • Exaggerate at least two figures using masking tape and paper • Apply one layer of papier-mâché. • Allow your mask to dry. • Apply a second layer • of papier-mâché. • Allow your mask to dry. • Apply a third layer of • papier-mâché. • Allow your mask to dry • Paint a design or pattern on your mask.

9. Rubric • Creativity (originality)…………………….____/33 • Color (paint job) ……………….____/33 • Craftsmanship……………………____/34 • (How did you do with papier-mâché?) • Total ………………………………………_____/100