Mask Making

 The first mask inspiration picture I chose was an ancient mask dating from the pre-neolithic stone-age. I chose it because this mask is considered the oldest in the world. It is made of stone and has a very simple design, with simple geometric circles for the eye holes and a crescent moon for the mouth. The element of shape is emphasized in this piece, in the simple geometric eye/mouth holes. 

The second mask I chose was an African Fang mask from the country of Gabon; I chose it because its purpose as a inquisition ceremony mask interested me. It is from the 19th century and is made of wood. The head is very elongated and the eyes are very small; the mouth is a simple geometric triangle. Form is emphasized in this piece with the elongated head. Shape is emphasized with the almond shaped eyes and triangle mouth.

The third mask I chose was an Aztec mask from the 16th century; I chose it because of its vibrancy. Unlike the other masks this mask utilizes the element of color. This mask seems to be made of some to sort of green tiled stone. It has detailed eyes and teeth. The shapes of this mask are less geometric than the other two.

This stone mask from the pre-ceramic neolithic period dates to 7000 BC and is probably the oldest mask in the world (Musée de la Bible et de la Terre Sainte)

Fang mask used for the ngil ceremony, an inquisitorial search for sorcerers. Wood, Gabon, 19th century.

Aztec mask of Xiuhtecuhtli, c. 1500, of Mixtec-Aztec provenance

   
The elements and principles I emphasized in my mask were color and texture. I was trying to go for a serpentine feel with my colors of green and black. I tried to create a scale pattern with both the green/black tiles and the yellow scales. I thought my mask turned out well, although I wish I could have actually used stone or wood to create it.