|
|
Costumes, Masks and Puppets |
African Masks |
Bunraku Puppetry |
Shadow Puppetry
Julie Taymor Biography | Sets, Lighting and Special Effects
 
In Africa, masks are functional works of art. They are meant to be used; they
perform a social purpose. Seen on a wall or on a table, it may seem dull and
static, but when used in storytelling or a ceremony, the mask takes on a life.
As in 'The Lion King', many African masks are made to be worn over the head
instead of over the face. They serve many ceremonial purposes: accepting a young
man into manhood, exorcising evil spirits, capturing the invisible supernatural
forces surrounding us. African masks are sometimes referred to as "spirit
traps."
 |
 |
