Mask Makers Web

Everywhere shamans make masks. The mask embodies the spirit, and donning it the shaman accepts the presence of the spirit into him/herself. The Tlingit and Tibetan shamans alike "utter the words of the spirit" when wearing the mask. Elaborate masked pantomime dances punctuate the sacred calendar in South India with Kathakali, in Japan it's Bogaku, in Tibet Cham, in Pueblo land the Kachina dances. Such masked dances are also witnessed in Africa, the Pacific Islands, North & South America as well as ancient civilizations like the Egyptian, Mayan, Inca, etc. Architecture was originated by shamanic cultures. So called "primitive" tribal peoples all over the world have built sophisticated giant structures and statuary to serve the community. Natural cultivation of mental faculties enhanced through their shamanic traditions, enabled them to cut, shape and move heavy stone with simple tools. Their impressive creative abilities can be attributed to a greater group consciousness, sense of cooperation, adaptability, intuition and psychic awareness

Category: Mask tradition / Rituals

Added on: Jun 30, 2002 | Hits: 8872