Week 11 Masks

Use the steps of Art Criticism to analyze and describe the masks. Be specific in how the elements and principles of art are used


The three masks that I have chosen can be seen at the following links:


http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/African_Mask_Faces.html (titled Youthful Spirit)


http://cti.itc.virginia.edu/~bcr/African_Mask_Faces.html

http://www.masksoftheworld.com/SoAmerica/Bolivian%20Tacana%20Mask.htm

The first mask is a very simple wooden mask with an oval shape, big and horns. The eyes have rings around them which make them look like they are in a trance, or kind of crazy.  The mask is worn by young African men during their dance.  The young men act mischievous and chase women around.  I like this because it is very simple, yet it stands out because of the eyes and the horns.

The second mask is a wool mask from Peru.  These masks are worn at religious festivals, carnivals, and private celebrations.  This particular mask is white with a rainbow wrapped around the head.  It has a unique mustache that is very thin and curls at each end.  The mask also has very thinly drawn eyebrows and red ears and a red nose and mouth.  I think that the artist has tried to create a very unique and distinguished character based on its features.  I like the mask because it is very different from the other masks.

The third mask is by the Tocana indians in Bolivia. I'm not sure what it is made of, however it does say natural wool on the web page.  This mask is of an older person smiling with their tongue hanging out.  You can tell that the person is older by the wrinkle lines above the eyes and in the cheeks.  I like this one because the person looks like they are having fun and might even be an old crazy person.

Here is the mask that I created.