MASKS OF THE WORLD

These masks are worn in rituals, social and religious functions, where participants wear them to represent spiritual or legendary figures. In some cultures it is also believed that by wearing of a mask will allow the wearer to take on the attributes of that mask's representation; i.e., a leopard-mask will induce the wearer to become leopard-like. More info below :-

AUSTRALIAN MASK

From the Land Down Under

Rituals are enacted in a lively tradition of dance, painting and music. The Australian tribes paint on cave walls (as early as 25,000 years ago, recent research suggests), on wooden implements and on strips of eucalyptus bark. Their style has one very unusual characteristic; in depicting a living creature the artists like to include the unseen bones and organs within. Delighting to know Australians have their own mask.

 

AZTEK MASK 

Central American Zone.

The Aztecs often designed their masks to represent the face of a deity.Masks bearing the faces of these powerful idols were a key part of many ceremonies. The Aztecs often used these masks as a part of religious rituals. Some rituals made use of masks as a way to harness the power of beings such as deities, or ancient ancestors. Masks had many different uses, but most were ceremonial. Dancers wore masks, and the masks were sometimes worn by priests as well.

 

CHINA MASK

A Theater Tradition

Masks have been a universal part of the human experience from the earliest of recorded time to the present day. Mask making is one of the first and longest lasting forms of artistic expression, used among ancient societies in surprisingly similar ways, despite separation over vast distances and historical time. Masks have been used to express and explore emotions, to contact a spiritual world through ritual performances, for group identity, and for bringing good fortune. All of these purposes are found in the masks of China, a nation that has a very long and rich tradition of mask making that continues to this day. 

 

EGYPTIAN MASK

From the Land of the Pyramides

Traditional art describes the most popular and studied forms of African art which are typically found in museum collections. Wooden masks, which might either be human or animal, are one of the most commonly found forms of art in western Africa. In their original contexts, ceremonial masks are used by actors and dancers in religious, political or social performances. 

 

GREEK MASK

Drama and Comedy

The mask symbolized the power of Dionysus--the transformation of an individual from the state of reserve to one of frenzy (see Maenad). The cult of Dionysus sought to give reign to the darker personna of an individual. Theatre images were popular in Greek and Roman Art, especially in the late Roman empire.

 

INDIAN MASK

Heroes and Gods of the Ramayan Epic

In India the use of masks is found in dance rituals, dramas, folk songs, temples, and different socio-cultural practices . In South India masks are worn by Kathakali Dancers, to depict good and evil characters from Hindu epics. Masks find an important place in Hindu festival celebration such as Durga Puja, Dasera, Ram Navami. 

 

JAPANESE MASK

A Way of Living

Immerse yourself in the story of Japanese culture and history as told through masks, which uses range from popular entertainment such as noh drama to religious rituals and courtly performing arts. There are nearly eighty different and distinct characters depicted by the masks used by traditional Noh performers.
Only a few skilled Japanese craftsmen have the ability to create authentic Noh masks using the traditional Japanese wood carving techniques. Master carvers in Japan must commit their work to individual Noh performers, so very little time is permitted for making extra masks for collectors. Making a Noh masks is a labor-intensive process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months from start to finish. 

 

KENYAN MASK

From the African Land

In Kenya and all over Africa, Tribal masks are used during initiations, rituals, marriages, harvest seasons, and ceremonies as well as to communicate with the ancestors. Masks have also be used to discipline women, children, and criminals or represent ancestors; the masks symbolize sanction control when worn. 

 

MAYAN MASK

The Lost Paradise

Mayan masks were usually worn in special ceremonies or at deaths. When the Maya buried their great leaders and rulers they made a mask out of jade. Death masks were used to identify the dead person so wandering spirits could not find its body. Many Maya lords wore masks that resembled animals of the jungle. 

 

 

PERUVIAN MASK

From the Highlands of the Andes

Many Andean dances use masks as part of the dancer's costume. The most common motifs include demons, angels, blacks (negritos), Spaniards (españoles) and all kinds of animals. Masks are made from a range of materials that are as varied as their place of origin:plaster, leather, wood, wire sheeting and tin. The most typical masks include those of the Piro culture, the parlampan , the auquis of Ancash, the jija huanca, the huacones of the central highlands and the famous demons of the seven deadly sins of Puno. 

 

TIKI MASK

A Polynesian Lifestyle

According to Maori mythology it is widely believed that the Maori Tiki represents the unborn human embryo. And in Maori culture this represents a particularly powerful spirit for warding off bad luck, and as such it is regarded as a good luck charm. It is also known to be a symbol of fertility. Many years ago the most valuable tikis were hand carved from greenstone, and were handed down through the generations as treasured possessions. The Tiki today is carved in a range of materials from greenstone and beef bone pendants through to small to medium statutes or wall hangings made from native New Zealand timbers. 

 

VIETNAMESE MASK

From the Traditional Vietnamese Theatre

In the traditional Vietnamese theater each actor is responsible for the preparation of his own makeup; and except for the Tho dia (God of the earth) who wears a real mask, all masks are painted on the very faces of the actors. Vietnamese Decoration Masks

are usually made by vietnamese traditional material:

bamboo, coconut, and lacquer. There are different

figures and have different emotions. Each one expresses an emotion of one character.