The Many Faces of Northwest Coast Indian Masks

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The Many Facesof Northwest CoastIndian Masks
A lookat the design and art behindthe masks.
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What will we learn about masks?

• We will learn how to recognize and describe
  common characteristics of masks, and talk about
  how they are used and what they mean.
• We will talk about design, colors, and materials
  used to make masks, and then youll get to make a
  mask.

3
Why do Northwest Indians make masks?

• Ceremonial purposes
• Masks are used in ceremonies such as potlatches.
• Decorative purposes
• Masks are used to decorate homes.
• Today, they are a popular art form among
  collectors.

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What are the different types?
Mythical creatures such as this undersea king are
often part of storytelling.
This animal mask is a raven.
Human masks are often portraits, such as this
wild woman.
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What are masks made out of?

• Traditionally masks are carved out of red cedar
  wood.
• Other colors are added for decorations and the
  dyes are made from plants and minerals.
• Adornments include such things as feathers,
  hair, gold, straw, and cedar bark strands.

• Black paint is used to emphasize facial
  features, particularly eyes and eyebrows.

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What tools are used to carve masks?

• Adzes Used to smooth rough cut wood.
• Stone axes Used for splitting wood.

• Drills Used for making holes.
• Carving knives Used to shape the detailed forms.
  They are made of stone, shell, or bone.