PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN MASKS & HEADDRESSES. Sample file

Transcription

1 History ( ), PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN MASKS & HEADDRESSES Read a brief and factual history of Pacific Northwest Coast Indian masks & headdresses. This Enrichment4You e-guide focuses on the elaborate masks and headdresses worn by the Pacific Northwest Coast. With simple materials and tools, you too can make a reproduction inspired by these Indian masks & headdresses. ENRICHMENT4YOU Published by Henrich Incorporated Copyright 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright owner. History ( ), Masks & Headdresses

2 History ( ), TABLE OF CONTENTS Masks & Headdresses - A Brief Overview - Pages 1-2. Material Suggestions - Page 3. Embellishment Ideas - Page 4. Make Northwest Coast Indian Masks & Headdresses - Page INTRODUCTION The purpose of this Enrichment4You e-guide is to provide inspiration, ideas and patterns for creating a Pacific Northwest Indian style mask & headdress. In this e-guide you will read a brief overview of Pacific Northwest Indian masks & headdresses, a list of materials you might use, embellishment ideas and a step-bystep presentation with photographs of how to assemble a mask & headdress. Do not feel limited in the selection of mask materials. Your finished mask will incorporate elements from Pacific Northwest Indian masks and headdresses. You may even design an original work of art. Have fun and be creative. History ( ), Masks & Headdresses

3 History ( ), The term potlatch was used to describe celebration feasts that were designed to show honor and recognition to an individual. Potlatches were given for many different reasons, but gifts were always presented. PACIFIC NORTHWEST COAST INDIAN MASKS & HEADDRESSES A brief history The Indian tribes of the Pacific Northwest created their own unique art forms based on geometric shapes and symbolism. Although mostly recognized for their totem poles, the Pacific Northwest made stunning carved wood masks and headdresses. Most of these masks and headdresses were reserved for ceremonial purposes. The wearer became the creature featured on the mask - evoking that creature s wisdom, protection and fruitful harvest to the tribe. Most masks were carved from alder or cedar wood. Other ornaments made from copper, silver, abalone, hair, feathers and shells were also added. Animal masks symbolized one of two things to Pacific Northwest Coast, a mythological creature or a family crest. Detailed masks were worn during dances. They were used to show how the creature in the story or legend changed into a human. History ( ), 1 Masks & Headdresses

4 History ( ), In Pacific Northwest Indian cultures, copper symbolized wealth and prestige. used bilateral symmetry in the construction of their designs. Basically, the animal being illustrated is shown by splitting the illustration down the back and spreading the sections on either side. The masks were very symbolic. Many featured animals and aspects of human nature. Some of the tribes that carved these masks included the Coast Salish, Nootka, Tsimshian, Kwakiutl, Tlingit, and Haida. A central motif usually dominated the mask while additional motifs were sometimes added. The following are a few of the common motifs and what they represented: *Butterfly - symbolized the Wanderer Spirit *Eagle - crest of the Eagle Clan and gave its tribe members prestige and authority. *Owl - symbol of the spirit and night world. *Frog - Believed to bring luck and prosperity. *Killer Whale - symbolized speed and ferocity during attack * HOHO Thunderbird - a mythical bird believed to bring thunder and lightning. *Ram - symbol of strength and stamina. *Beaver - symbol of the house builder *Raven - mythical bird believed to have brought the moon, fire and sun to the world. rarely left any blank spaces in their art work. Stylistic elements such as eyes, faces, paws, claws and feathers were used to fill-in blank spaces on every item including: blankets, carvings, or painted items. History ( ), 2 Masks & Headdresses

5 History ( ), Pacific Northwest Coast Indian enjoyed parties. They called them potlatches. At these celebrations, stories about mythical creatures and legends were told through mask dances. Specific colors were used in Indian art. For example: Black was used to create the primary lines in the designs. Red was considered a secondary color. It was used to emphasize elements that were second in importance. Blue-Green are the intermediate colors. (Other intermediate colors include: red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, blue-violet, and red-violet. These were used infrequently.) 4th color sometimes additional shades of blue, red, yellow, green and white were used to accent elements. History ( ), 3 Masks & Headdresses

6 History ( ), Many Northwest Coast believe in powerful spirits that reside in nature. Sometimes these spirits would give humans some of their powers. These powers would help the human be successful in life. COLORS Primary colors including: Red Yellow Black White Green Turquoise Blue Royal Blue PAPER TEXTURES Wood print Crinkled paper Suede Metallic Rough Smooth Bark Handmade The materials you use to embellish your Northwest Coast Indian mask and headdress should incorporate the colors, motifs and elements found in the region. The following are a few items to consider: EMBELLISHMENTS Feathers Shells Raffia, twine, cording Shells Small stones Beads Punched out shapes Alder wood Cedar wood Copper Horse hair Abalone Bark Silver Faux fur History ( ), 4 Masks & Headdresses