This is the mask of Quetzalcoatl "the feathered serpent" or the Rain God Tlaloc. Both dieties are associated with serpents. This mask has two serpents, one in green turquoise and one in blue, that twist across the face and around the eyes, blending over the nose. The teeth are made out of shell. I think the Aztec masks represent the complex culture of the Aztec Empire. Most masks were made for display and not to be worn but they were sometimes worn during sacrifice ceremonies. In that case, the masks represent the Gods and symbolized death. This particular mask is my favorite because it is very beautiful. The emotion it evokes can be excitement or fear. I find it to be exciting because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. It is a little fearful because it does symbolize death, however the Aztecs did not fear death, they embraced it. I think the mask is a beautiful key to the Aztec culture, we see their devotion to art and their art style, the Aztec's often used turquoise. We are also able to see how they viewed their Gods. And their art incorporates specific symbols, like the serpent which symbolizes power. This mask gives the feeling of power, it appears very strong. I think it's really unique that every part of the mask means something. These masks were used as tribute to their very important Gods. In today's society, people wear masks in a different way. Wearing a mask can hide a person's real personality and real intentions. People also use masks to hide their insecurities. Masks can be used to hide imperfections, like how women use make-up. Today people wear masks as a part of a costume in order to appear like someone else. Masks are interesting and people definitely still wear them today, I just don't think they are as beautiful as the Aztec masks!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Blog #3
This is the mask of Quetzalcoatl "the feathered serpent" or the Rain God Tlaloc. Both dieties are associated with serpents. This mask has two serpents, one in green turquoise and one in blue, that twist across the face and around the eyes, blending over the nose. The teeth are made out of shell. I think the Aztec masks represent the complex culture of the Aztec Empire. Most masks were made for display and not to be worn but they were sometimes worn during sacrifice ceremonies. In that case, the masks represent the Gods and symbolized death. This particular mask is my favorite because it is very beautiful. The emotion it evokes can be excitement or fear. I find it to be exciting because it can be interpreted in so many different ways. It is a little fearful because it does symbolize death, however the Aztecs did not fear death, they embraced it. I think the mask is a beautiful key to the Aztec culture, we see their devotion to art and their art style, the Aztec's often used turquoise. We are also able to see how they viewed their Gods. And their art incorporates specific symbols, like the serpent which symbolizes power. This mask gives the feeling of power, it appears very strong. I think it's really unique that every part of the mask means something. These masks were used as tribute to their very important Gods. In today's society, people wear masks in a different way. Wearing a mask can hide a person's real personality and real intentions. People also use masks to hide their insecurities. Masks can be used to hide imperfections, like how women use make-up. Today people wear masks as a part of a costume in order to appear like someone else. Masks are interesting and people definitely still wear them today, I just don't think they are as beautiful as the Aztec masks!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Isn't it crazy how an Aztec mask, looking so much like a real human skull, can be so beautiful? I loved the turquoise in this mask. It makes me think of why I wear turquoise. Even jewelry sometimes can be so similar to dressing up as to look like someone else. Thanks for sharing about the serpents around the eyes. I hadn't noticed that at the beginning. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI think it is amazing how masks and this mask in particular resemble so much. How they felt about their gods and what the masks represented such as death during sacrifices. It also amazes me what the masks were made of. Some made of bone and even some of human skulls. These masks are so beautiful even being how old they are.
ReplyDeleteI think masks help us to give us a glimpse about a culture. I agree that the Aztec masks are more beautiful than the ones we wear every day. They are made to last, and represent what they believe, while ours (especially make-up)are transitory and represent what we want to be.
ReplyDeletei love reading these blogs as it allows for teh subjective to enter into our discussions about other cultures, and our understanding of each other and the ways in which we perceive the world...
ReplyDelete