Module Ten- Art Making/Material Exploration Blog: Mask Making

Woyo

Dan

Teke

http://www.artyfactory.com/africanmasks/

http://www.rebirth.co.za/tekemask/history.htm

I've decided to use these African mask's as inspiration because they looked cool and the meaning behind each mask was interesting. 

Woyo masks are usually painted with contrasting colors against a white background and are often worn with a full length costume made from banana leaves.The colors used in a Woyo mask have symbolic meaning and are sometimes repainted to renew its power. Woyo masks are carved for the ritual dances of the 'ndunga', a male society responsible for maintaining social order. The Woyo believe in witchcraft. Ordeals by fire and poison are used to determine the guilt of those who have been practicing sorcery.

Description of Woyo Mask-  The mask is oval shaped. The mask has basic shape elements for facial features such as rectangles for the eyes, triangles for the nose and teeth. There are also tiny spots shaped as little circles all over the Woyo mask. The mouth is open and the teeth are showing which looks very sharp. The eyes on the mask appears to be closed. The facial expression of the mask seems as if it is suppose to frighten people.

Analysis- The design elements and principles for this mask are basic. There is repeated patterns and shapes that makes a symmetrical. The rhythm of repetition colors and shapes makes the mask very interesting to look at. The mask has many elements that catches the viewers attention.

Dan- masks are sacred objects. Dan masks are used for protection and as a channel for communication with the spirit world. The Dan also carry small 'passport masks' for personal protection when they are living away from home. The Dan believe that their world is split into two domains: the human domain which is represented by the village and its people, and the spiritual domain which is represented by the forest and its spirits. When a dancer wears a Dan mask he becomes the spirit of that mask. A masked dancer will speak in the language of the spirits and his words are interpreted by a wise man.

Description of The Dan Mask- The dan mask is very simple. The mask looks similar to an Alien creature. Common shapes are what makes the facial features. All of the facial features are large and spread apart. The eyes closed and are on the Dan mask are split between a long rectangle shape that runs down the middle of the face into the nose. The mouth of the dan mask are large lips that are open.

Analysis- The design elements and principles for this mask are also simple. the whole mask is symmetrical if you split the image down the middle. Shapes and lines make up the simple features of the dan mask.

The teke mask comes from the Ogowe region in the Congo It is used to confirm the social and political structure during the Kidumu masquerade dancing ceremonies.

Description of The Teke Mask- Unlike most masks the Teke mask doesn't look like a normal face. None of the features on the mask have facial features of a human. There are shapes that may be the eyes of the mask.

Analysis-  The Teke Mask is filled with lines and shapes that makes the mask symmetrical going down the middle. The mask is filled with repeated patterns that has a certain rhythm. There are not many colors used in this mask.