Kashubian mask

On last lesson we were looking for inspiration. We defined it as an impulse that makes us capable of creating something new. Inspiration is very different from plagiarism because we don't copy but just learn from something. After this we had to draw a mask inspired by kashubian patterns. This is mine:

Masks comparison

Medico della Peste




It is the most recognizable mask from venice. Its origins come from common then plagues and the progenitor was Charles de Lorme-a French physician who adoped full protection outfit. The shape of the "nose" results from ease to put there herbs that were supposed to prevent from airborne diseases. As it was popular on venice carnivals it can indicate the memento mori.

Punu mask

Punu mask is an african mask that represents the beauty of woman of Punu tribe. It is made only by men. Characteristics are high-domed hairstyle and details such as sacrification marks on the forehead. Eyes often represent oriental characteristics. The hair indicate that she is wealthy because she didn't have to carry things on her head. When these masks are painted they represent the spirits of dead ancestors and they are used during funerals.

As we can see there is one main difference between masks from europe and africa. European masks are used for practical use for example protection and african masks are made for spiritual use.
Sources:
http://img1.liveinternet.ru/images/attach/b/0/15265/15265339_punu.jpg
http://www.massimomessaphotogallery.it/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/180/VE-1260%20Venezia%20-%20Il%20Medico%20della%20Peste.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_doctor_costume
http://artyfactory.com/africanmasks/masks/punu.htm

European masks:
Represented wild animals, all conected with hunting supposed to drive away forces of winter.
Carnival masks, used on festivals, represented monsters, bears, wild animals, elfs etc.
Venetians started wearing masks to do things in secret they prevented inequality.Venetian masks- main feature during carnival.Made of wax cloth or plaster.

Examples :

Medico della Peste white with a long hollow beak, adapted while treating plagues i n 17 th century. usually worn by medics with black coat and hat.

Columbina also known as Columbine and Columbino is a half mask. highly decorated (with gold, crystals, silver, feathers)tied with ribbon or held up to the face by a batonpopularized in Commedia dell’arte (the actress didn’t wish to have her beautiful face fully covered)

African masks:
Majority of African masks is made of wood for several reasons. The most obvious one is that it is not a problem to come by this material: forests surrounding villages have plentiful of it. In some tribes other materials might be used instead of wood. These are bronze, copper, ivory, glazed pottery, raffia, textiles etc. usually decorated with shells, bones, animal skins or vegetable. best career option in an African tribe is definitely becoming a mask artist. This provides respect among other members of the community.

Examples:

Dan mask- Dan masks have a typically high forehead, pouting mouth and pointed chin.When a dancer wears a Dan mask he becomes the spirit of that mask. A masked dancer will speak in the language of the spirits and his words are interpreted by a wise man.[1]

Baule mask- It is used in tribal dances during harvest festivals, in processions to honour distinguished visitors and at the funerals of important figures.The circular face represents the life-giving force of the sun and the horns symbolize the great power of the buffalo. The mask is made of wood with two holes cut into the eyes to enable the wearer to see. [2]

Asian masks

Indonesia( Java, Bali) asian masks are influenced by indian culture. Topeng masks are used for dance. China- jingju masks Japan- Gigaku, Kabuki masks made of paper pulp.

[1]http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/masks/dan.htm   [2]http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/masks/baule.htm

visited on 2012-10-07 16:03