MASKS

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MASKS

• Have been a significant symbol of most human
  cultures since ancient times. They have been
  used to convey emotion as a disguise in
  celebratory rituals for exorcisms and just for
  fun.

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• Mexican masks are used as a disguise of the soul
  and a way to contact the spirit world.
• It is believed the wearer becomes someone or
  something else.
• Duality is a common feature.

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• Ancient Mexicans used death masks when mummifying
  their dead, and some of their Gods are shown
  wearing masks.
• Contemporary Mexicans use masks to celebrate The
  Day of the Dead, which is two days of festivities
  honoring children and the dead.

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• African masks are a sign of family tradition.
  They are passed down from one generation to the
  next.
• Many of the masks represent powerful animal
  spirits whose blessing and protection the family
  desires.
• These masks are often worn with elaborate
  costumes and the wearer dances or presents a
  ritualistic performance.

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• Masks are created to honor feminine beauty,
  fertility, the spirit of youth, and beautiful
  ancestors.

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• Even today, masks are a part of nearly all
  initiation ceremonies and play a vital role in
  African social life.

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• Kings wear their richly embellished masks during
  royal ceremonies. Cowrie shells, eagles
  feathers, beads, leopard skin, and white fur are
  some indicators of royal status.
• The exaggerated features signify moral attributes
  of the rulers wearing the mask.

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• African masks, like Mexican masks, frequently
  concentrate on duality.

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• The mask remains of great interest to
  contemporary artists.
• It is often a vehicle for the study of self, ego,
  soul, and the surrounding environment, just as it
  has been historically.

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• Masks can still be found as an important
  ingredient of many celebrations, such as
  Halloween and Mardi Gras.
• Artists today, enjoy the freedom of expression
  and fantasy that can be captured, through the art
  of mask making.

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Bibliography

• www.casamexicanafolkart.com
• www.cti.itc.virginia.edu
• www.siu.edu
• www.sokari.arc.co.uk/spiritsInSteel.html
• www.masks.org
• www.maskeriet.dk