Carving Masks: Tribal, Ethnic & Folk Projects (Paperback)

~ Alan Bridgewater (Author), (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The Bridgewaters have been writing books on historic and ethnic woodcarving for many years (e.g., The Craft of Wood Carving, LJ 7/81), and their work is characterized by historic accuracy and fidelity to the original model. The masks in this book include a European green man and mummers' fool, as well as African, Indonesian, and Pacific Northwest Native American masks. The projects are well illustrated with grid diagrams, step-by-step instructions, and black-and-white photographs. Color photographs of finished projects are included.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Wood carving returns to its roots with the help of the Bridgewaters. A dozen masks, symbols of good or evil in different cultures, form the focus of a unique how-to book. Although the projects seem somewhat daunting, the authors downplay perceived difficulties through elaborate step-by-step (with graphs, photographs, and illustrations) instructions as well as an inviting conversational prose style. From an Alsatian flour-spout mask to the birdlike Kwakiutl face covering from northwestern North America, each receives more than its share of historical information, tips, and good woodworking advice. Some examples of their generously shared expertise include investing in a dust vacuum for the workshop, avoiding green wood, and, in their own words, "be warned--there are lots of horrible, smelly, toxic, expensive polishes out there that pretend to be beeswax." Too bad there are no references for learning the basics; the lack of project grades--beginner to advanced--also detracts from the book's appeal. Barbara Jacobs

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sterling Pub Co Inc; illustrated edition edition (September 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806913363
• ISBN-13: 978-0806913360
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: No customer reviews yet. Be the first.
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,499,173 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)