I was familiar with two big "traditions" of First Nations mask-making, while growing up: The Northwest Coast tradition (you know; totem poles and stuff) and the Iroquoiian "False Face" Society . I remember watching a television show, demonstrating the steps in the creation of a "False Face", including carving the mask into a living Basswood (Linden) tree. The spirit and power of the tree would be transferred into the mask, which was not removed, until the mask was finished. These were by far, the scarier masks, distorted and "unnatural". I recognized them as unnatural, even before I knew the word.
Basswood is a popular wood for modern bird-carvers and an important prehistoric resource for Native peoples as a source of bark-fiber and cordage.
Supposedly, there were two ways to join the society: Either be cured by them, or have a powerful dream compelling you to do so. The faces were pretty scary when I was a kid, but I imagine that everyone would find them downright nightmarish in the right smoky, fevered halflight.
:)
Click mask pics for larger/detail.
(Flint) Stone Giant Mask; carved by "Stick-on-the-Shoulder", at The Wolf Den.ca
"Spoonmouth" mask; carved by "Stick-on-the-Shoulder", at The Wolf Den.ca
.False Face Mask.Charles Gatewood/Art Resource, NY via MSN Encarta
An unidentified False Face mask, from the Recursos.org slideshow (link below).
A slideshow at Recursos.org - "...an educational, non-profit organization specializing in symposiums and conferences in the arts, sciences, humanities and letters, and tours which focus on Southwest culture, architecture and history."
Recursos.org Main page.
The 'False face' tradition, has definitely had an influence on my own work. Here's a couple examples
Papier-mache mask; "Warrior"
Carved cedar mask, with Moose hair, metal eyes.
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