Entry #10: Video Review

1. For each video list/discuss the key concepts you learned.

Olmec Mask: This mask was found buried as an offering in the temple. This mask is older than the Aztec culture. This was an Olmec mask. In terms of geography, these two cultures were located kind of far away from it. There were trade networks throughout Mesoamerica

Feathered headdress: Items were traded such as luxury goods: feathers, textiles, cacao, shells, etc. The feathers on the headdress were called quetzal feathers and there were other many different cool feathers like cotingna feathers which were like a turquoise color. The people who made these headdresses lived in a special quarter of the capitol. Their name was amanteca (in Nahuatl) which translated to feather workers.

Bundu/Sowei Helmet Mask: This was strange to me but this specific mask was not worn on the face but on top of the head. Women wore the mask, rituals were performed by and was directly for women. This mask was made to help young girls go through initiation. The smallmouth on this mask suggests that a girl should keep her mouth closed and not gossip because gossip it can be the most dangerous thing in a small society. The small ears emphasized not listening to that gossip

Female (pwo) Mask: The masker and carver were mostly men and this particular mask was made for women who were young, fertile, and had successfully given birth. There was some kind of honor given to these specific women. This culture was matrilineal which was also quite intriguing. The eyes and mouth are closed on this mask because the female does not need to talk she just needs to bask in honor and respect.

Mask (Buk), Torres Strait, Mabuiag Island: These masks were made of turtle shells. This was a pretty cool finding while watching this video. This particular frigate bird on the mask could be seen as a totem, a mythological creature connected to a particular lineage or family.

2. What is your opinion of the films? How do they add depth to understanding of the readings and art concepts?

The films were quite short and brief. I really liked the description of each mask and the huge amount of background information given in such a brief manner. I also liked seeing the amount of trade and borrowing that took place for certain pieces to be created in the first place. Cultures were somewhat fused to create one piece of work which was also pretty interesting. This added depth to my understanding of the readings and art concepts by showing me that many different cultures have many different customs and ways of doing things. The way that some of these cultures do things reflect through their art, their values reflect through their art and this is truly amazing.