Masks: More About Masks

Yup’ik  Culture (Native American). Mask of a Valley Ptarmigan, last half 19th century. Wood, feather, pigment, 15 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. or (40.0 x 28.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, A. Augustus Healy Fund, 44.34.7. Creative Commons-BY

The mask above was made long ago in Alaska. Masks like these are called spirit masks. They were worn by people who believe that spirits could bring good weather or good hunting. Some masks were believed to get people power over evil spirits.

John H. Livingston. Wild Man Mask, 1970. Cedar wood, pigment, hair, 11 5/8 x 7 1/2 x 8 1/8 in. (29.5 x 19.1 x 20.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Fred Nihda, 1996.203. Creative Commons-BY

Spirit masks have been discovered all over the world. Many have been saved and placed in museums. Some people still make spirit masks.

Some spirit masks have shaped like fish, birds or other animals. Some are like humans. Others are fantastic creatures.

The Alaskan mask was created for many different materials. Can you tell how the materials were joined?

1. Finish your mask. Add parts that will make your mask three-dimensional.

2. Invent new ways to join materials and forms to your mask. Make sure you have added all details necessary for your mask to show your idea.

3. USE 2 PIPE CLEANERS OR some STRING TO HOLD YOUR MASK IN PLACE.

4. When it is complete and dry, TAKAE A SELFIE OR ask A FRIEND to take a photo of you wearing the mask.

5. THEN, COMPLETE YOUR ARTIST STATEMENT ON ARTSONIA.

Extensions:

Multi-cultural Understanding: Share your cultural background in which traditional masks and costumes are used. You can even make a video or presentation featuring yourself, your family or a member of the community talking about how they use masks in traditions or celebrations.