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