JOSH - American

Kwakiutl Masks

I have chosen to do the Kwakiutl Culture. I found that the masks show better characteristics of the style. The masks of the Kwakiutl, were woven into and dramatically displayed in the rich ceremonial life of these Canadian people. A large quantity of food and material for carving (red and yellow cedar) make an elaborate ceremony possible. Masks were used for every occasion. The Kwakiutl borrowed, adapted, and elaborated many themes into complex series of dances, ceremonies, and theatrical preformances. Masks were a very important part of these activities since they gave life to various mythological, elemental, bird and animal figures which the people claimed as their ancestors from the early days. These supernatural beings had given privileges and special powers to a family, often in the form of a family crest, song, or dance. The family would then portray particular mythological figures as part of their heritage.
Most of the masks demonstrated a strong use of line in their smooth concave and convex curves. for effect or emphasis on a feature sharp, rigid lines were used. These rigid curves usually define nostrils, eyes and lips through deeply cut carvings and the use of contrasting color to add to the form of the mask. Most of the lines had the tendency to run parallel and come to a point, each end creating contrast with the shape between the geometric and organic lines. The Kwakiutl’s demonstrated strong, clear carving, and painting was used to enhance, emphasize or embellish the basic form of the mask. Dark red, black, white, and green were the traditional Kwakiutl choice of colors for paint.

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http://images.google.com.au/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&q=%22Kwakiutl+design%22&btnG=Search+Images