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Mask
* Carved masks are like totem poles, they both represent human, animals, and mystical ones too.
* Every mask symbol of the ancestral spirits.
* Make masks using paper plates.
* Most masks come in several sizes
  - have eyes, nose, mouth, and hair
  - trap some moisture and heat, but some are specifically designed to do so
* Provides information on masks, alphabetically, by culture, and by region of the world.
* Some masks are highly recognizable as human faces while others are animal representations
  - part of costumes and headdresses
  - two-dimensional structures designed to only cover the face
  - represent hunting spirits
* Some masks serve as reminders of ancient deities from the prehistoric world
  - to protect the wearer against physical dangers
  - symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood
* are a covering used to disguise or protect the face.
* are a form of play and fantasy
  - sculpture
  - means of adaptation to society and a protection for the psyche
  - way for children to try on different roles
  - accessories
  - agents of celebration and transcendence, of commemoration and transformation
  - also familiar as pieces of kit associated with practical functions, usually protective
  - central to carnival, offering the liberation of anonymity
* are common to all cultures, even our own, but they vary greatly from culture to culture
  - many cultures and can be intended to be worn or for purely ornamental purposes
  - concealment
  - disguises
  - frequently part of mythic ritual
* are important elements of some dances, and determine the character of the dance
  - to many African tribes
  - kind of a signature of culture- often taking their origin in religious or ritual heritage
  - like stencils that protect parts of an image
  - literally masks that allow only certain areas of an image through
  - located in carnivals
  - mostly dance accessories
  - often present to instruct during initiation, rites of passage and funerals
  - part of daily life, and in some instances they are indispensable
  - present in every aspect of life, in one way or another
  - protective covering
  - used in many magical or shamanistic rituals in non-western societies
  - usually of beings either human, animal, male or female
  - worn in ceremonies and for hunting
* can be unsafe for some people to use
  - block vision and be hot and uncomfortable
  - hide, protect, disguise, liberate, or transform the wearer
  - keep children from seeing well or completely
* can obstruct a child s vision and breathing
  - child's vision
  - vision and hearing
* come in a variety of forms, but all represent incarnations of gods, ancestors or bush spirits
  - flexible, rigid, plastic, neoprenish material, and different colors
* expose a chemical coating called photoresist to ultraviolet light.
* hold a special place in African art.
* is an integral part of social life, ceremonies and rituals.
* often employ additional materials, like shells, or can be made entirely from fiber
  - refer to a clan totem such as crocodile or eagle
  - represent departed ancestors, spirit beings, and invisible powers
* play a key part within world theatre traditions, particularly non-western theatre forms
  - an important role in totemic rituals
* reduce exposure to irritants.
* represent humans and animals.
* representing animals also come in different sizes.
* still play a role today in secular festivities.
* tend to fall off and block vision.
* used in performances of sacred dances are sacred and as such revered and kept so in temples.
+ Mask, Origin, History: Accessories :: Culture :: Non-verbal communication :: Art :: Metaphors
  * Masks are used in many magical or shamanistic rituals in non-western societies. The celebration or appeasement of animistic spirits takes place with dance and song in ancient performances in many parts of the world. In these events performers use costumes and masks to mimic the supposed spirits. University of Pennsylvania Press.