Module 10

Olmec Mask

The Olmec Mask was made of a polished stone. These mask were from a culture that was older than the Aztecs called the Olmecs. When the Aztecs found these mask they would bury them in their offerings as a sign of appreciation to the historical pieces of work.

Feathered Headdress
      
The Feathered Headdress was made of many different feathers and also gold. Headdress were part of the costume that Aztecs wore during their many ceremonies so it holds a significance in their beliefs. 

Bundu/ Sowei Helmet Mask:
This mask was worn on the top of the head. Women wore the mask instead of men. The mask helped transition young girls into womanhood. When the mask was not being worn it was displayed in the house when worn it was seen as spiritual.

Female (pwo) Mask: 

Made by the Chokew people in the Republic of the Congo. The female mask would have been used and danced by a male dancer and carved by a man. The mask was used to honor women, particular young and fertile women who had given birth.Rather than a traditional dance, the dancer would walk in a very graceful and stately way, since the women really did dance gracefully as this The whiteness around the eyes are connected to the spiritual realm, so they are the most important feature of the mask
Mask (Buk), Torres Strait, Mabuiag Island:
Made by people who lived on an island in the Torres Strait Made of turtle shell divided into three registers there are many pieces to the mask stitched together, including turtle shell, other shell, feathers, and raffia.

2- I Have many different mask in my house but they were brought here from Africa. So it was cool to see different mask from different cultures. They also helped to teach what went into creating each of these masks.