MASK COMPARISON

Through the history of the world many cultures developed differently, but in most cultures one factor was the same, masks. In Europe, Asia and Africa masks were important issue in cultures.

For me two most amazing masks are these from Asia and Africa.

Both Asian and African originated from specific rituals and in both cultures someone who wore the mask was also connecting with the spirits of dead. In Asia masks were, later on, used in dances and theaters. African masks usually represents animal faces, that symbolises the connection with nature, while the Asian masks mostly presents human faces. Masks in Asia are made from a number of different materials such as: clay, dry lacquer, cloth, paper and wood, while in Africa they are only made from wood, it is because Africans believe that wood has soul in itself, often before cutting down they make sacrifices. African masks are decorated with geometrical patterns whereas Asian ones are decorated with facial patterns. 

Example of African mask:

Example of Asian mask:

Biblography:

1. http://www.yoshinoantiques.com/newsletters/Masks.pdf

2. http://www.africantreasures.com/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=maskafrica00032 - picture

3. http://www.nysun.com/pics/6972.jpg  - picture