Masks May 20, 2014

History of Masks The history of masks stems from a variety of cultures, religions and traditions from all around the world. The concept of a mask is to allow someone to become someone else or represent something/someone else. Egypt (c.3100-332 BC)

Uses of Masks Masks were used for religious purposes, depicting and representing Gods and Spirits, folk, culture, festivals, funerals, exorcisms, entertainment, medicine, and ritual ceremonies.

Mask Uses in Ancient Egypt The ancient Egyptians placed decorated masks with features over the faces of the dead in commemoration. The funerary mask served to guide the spirit of the deceased back to it’s final resting place. The idea of covering the dead persons face with a mask was to give character and life to the individual even in death

Materials in Mask-Making Ancient Egyptian masks were made of cloth covered with stucco or plaster, which was then painted bright colours. Difference in social status also influenced what your mask was made out of or adorned with. For example, if you were in a position of power, silver and gold were used. the famous funerary mask of Tutankhamun

Materials in Mask-Making  Red, being the colour of power, symbolized life and victory, as well as anger and fire. Green symbolized new life, growth, and fertility, while blue symbolized creation and rebirth, and yellow symbolized the eternal, such as the qualities of the sun and gold. Yellow was the colour of Ra and of all the pharaohs, which is why the sarcophagi and funeral masks were made of gold to symbolize the everlasting and eternal pharaoh who was now a god. White was the colour of purity.

Interior Cultural Influence on Mask Although the use of depictions on masks is still unknown, there is much speculation. An example is one very common depiction present in many mortuary scenes that records the mummification of a body by a jackal-headed being. Such representations may document the actual mummification rites performed by a jackal-disguised priest, though it may also be interpreted as commemorating that episode of the embalmment by the jackal god Anubis in the mythic account of the death and resurrection of the god of the dead, Osiris, whom the deceased wished to emulate.

Presentation Topics African Masks Native American Masks Costa Rican Masks Torres Strait Island Masks Indian Masks Asian Masks Ancient Greek Masks Renaissance Masks Plague Mask Students must create a PowerPoint presentation that includes: The use of masks in this culture or the use of the mask What was used to make the mask and the process. The significance of the materials or colours used. Interior and exterior influences on mask characteristics. What the mask(s) look like. Your opinion on the mask. The presentation must include illustrations and must be at least 5 minutes long.