Navajo Yebichai (Yei Bi Chei) dancers. Edward S. Curtis. USA, 1900. The Wellcome Collection, London. Edward S. Curtis – Photo by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin FRCP(Glasg)
Masks and costumes are one way people remember their traditions. Halloween is a tradition for many American children. It is a custom to have fun by dressing up and masks and costumes.
The masks above were created by Native Americans, who lived in what is now United States. Much of this region was desert. The people needed rain to grow crops.
TheSE were made for special ceremonies in which people prayed for rain spirits to come. the masks have symbols for lighting and corn. Can you explain why?
Hopi Hon Katsina. Bear Helmet Mask. North American. New Mexico. maskmuseum.org
Hopi masks USUALLY helmet shaped and are considered sacred objects belonging to the tribe rather than individuals. This mask is a hon OR bear. There are many different animal katsinam. these WERE OFTEN USED DURING summer day dances.
KILLER WHALE MASK WITH EAGLE AND HUMAN FACE. MPM..EDU
These masks were made by native americans who lived in the great forests of Canada near the Pacific Ocean. They hunted animals and fished in the ocean.
These people believe the animal spirits could make them strong and brave. They believe the mask could bring the animal spirits to help them.
SEA ANEMONE MASK. MPM.EDU
these masks are no longer used. They are museums were many people can see and study them some native Americans want to remember their traditions at special times they still have ceremonies as their ancestors did.
