Module #10 Video Review

Olmec Masks:

1. I learned that these types of masks were made out of green stone.  They began to create these masks 1500 years before aztecs were around.  The masks resembled human faces and usually created and burned inside a temple.  The masks used olmec features such as a baby face with stunning features.  Another interesting fact about these masks is that they are no larger than the palm of your hand.  They were glossed over and used as specific offerings to others.

2.  In my opinion I love the color of these masks the best.  The color of the stone that is used is beautiful.  This can relate to the readings because of what it represents without looking completely realistic or ideal.

Feathered Headdress:

1.  I  learned that these types of masks developed in Mexico City.  Cortez, a man who visited this area and discovered the headdresses sent the feathers back to Spain because he fell in love.  The feathers used are tail feathers from an intriciut bird.  Many types of birds were used as a luxury good during this time period.  Aztec art uses costumes and they became very important to the culture.  These masks were often very colorful and a blue turqiose color on the feathers was a sign of value.  Another thing I learned was that the feather workers who put these masks together were extremely valued and thought highly of.

2. In my opinion these masks were very unique.  Although I love animals and don't agree with harming them for beauty, I loved the way that they looked because of the colors the bird feathers contributed.  The video related to the readings because of the resources found to add on to the mask.

Bundu/ Sowei Helmet Masks:

1.  This masks represented several different ethnic groups.  This masks was worn on the top of the head and not directly on the face.  They were created to represent women, starting with young girls before they became women.  They would be used to cover the faces of young girls as they go through anitiation. White clay would cover their faces to make them less attractive to justify that they were in fact not girls but not quite women.

2.  In my opinion I liked how these masks represented no drama.  The masks resembeled women with their mouths close to symbolize not talking about drama, and small ears to show that they would not listen to it either.  I thought that was very unique and interesting.  This relates to the readings because they were not used on men to represent women, the young girls actually wore them to represent themselves in the making of becoming a woman.

Female (pwo) Mask:

1.  These masks represent the ideal woman.  They are worn by men who dance around.  Although it is worn by men, they are not representing themselves as the women but rather honoring them.  They are honored because of their beauty and ability to carry a child.  Thin wood is used to carve and wild hairstyles are added on.  The men who danced were very graceful and respectful.

2. In my opinion I think it is strange that men wear the masks that look like woman.  This relates to the readings because media is added on to the masks to create hair.  Many other types of masks do the same, some even using real human hair.

Mask (Buk):

1.  This type of mask has three registers.  One is a human face, the second is a representation of a bird and the third is feathers.  The masks are created out of turtle shells and bring multiple pieces together to create one large piece.

2.  In my opinion these masks were fascinating because of the turtle shells that were used.  They were liked by sailors and actively traded.  This relates to the readings because the pieces used were thought very highly of.  Turtle shells were cherished and showed a sign of respect.