The Traditional Art of the Mask: Carving a Transformation Mask [Paperback]

Lelooska (Author), Douglas Congdon-Martin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Woodcarvers | Publication Date: January 1, 2000

This is rare look into the traditional ways of creating the beautiful masks that have brought such admiration to the native American carvers of the Pacific Northwest. The masks of the Kwakiutl people of the Pacific Northwest are noted around the world for their bold colorful designs. Used for dramatic recreations of the ancestors adventures, they carry a depth of social, historical, and religious meaning. Lelooska has spent a lifetime creating these masks, a privilege bestowed upon him by the Kwakiutl. He has recreated many of the ceremonial masks which were lost or destroyed when the potlach was, for a time, outlawed. His masks are used in the traditional dances both at the revived gatherings and at recreations of the dances presented by the Lelooska Foundation in Ariel, Washington. Now he shares the traditional carving techniques with carvers everywhere. The Kwakiutl carvers are known particular for their transformation or opening masks, which change or open to reveal a second, inner mask. The mask carved in this new book is just such a mask, beautiful in its design and its complexity. Each step is illustrated and described to help the carver recreate the mask on his or her own. This is a unique and much awaited book by one of Americas foremost artists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764300288
• ISBN-13: 978-0764300288
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,167,152 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Treasure, May 8, 2010

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G. B. Talovich (Wulai, Taiwan, ROC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Traditional Art of the Mask: Carving a Transformation Mask (Paperback)

This book is a real treasure. It provides clear color photographs of the step by step process of a master carving a mask of an ancient, endangered tradition.

The book is not written for beginners; the reader is assumed to understand the cuts from the photographs, so there are not detailed explanations about how to carve. The shaping is done with an adze, with no word on how to use one. I have never used this tool, so for the time being, I will stick with my chisels. But I may try out an adze. It looks interesting.

Even people who are not woodcarvers will enjoy this book, for its rare look into this fascinating art. My only complaint is that the binding of the paperback is not very good. The cover started falling off the second time I opened the book. I hope the book lasts, because this is one I will want to refer to and enjoy again and again.