Whether gorgeous or terrifying, these Native American masks reveal a group of cultures on the verge of disappearing forever.
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The all important irony of most any mask is that it does n’t actually conceal its wearer from the earthly concern , but instead expresses both their internal self and their civilisation well than their stark facial expression ever could . While that may be less genuine today — as many forward-looking masks are used for fun — it was certainly true of these Native American masks from the former 1900s .
From the Navajo to the Koskimo to the Kwakiutl and beyond , many Indigenous kin across the Americas have historically placed majuscule social and cultural grandness on masque . Some are used in storytelling , while others areused in apparitional ceremonial . Yet others are used in dances .
Navajo man, half-length, seated, facing front, wearing a ceremonial mask with feathers and with fir or spruce branches forming a wreath around the shoulders, 1904.
Whatever their determination , there ’s no question that these aboriginal American masks are visually arresting . But for Indigenous people , these masks are so much more than just aesthetic creations . Among many kin group , these mask are sacred . In some cases , they may even be considered living entities .
But in the early 20th hundred , many of these cultural heirlooms were at risk of infection of vanishing incessantly . At the metre , the U.S. government activity was drive intemperately for the fade of the polish and tribes that these mask stand for . From reservations to absorption school , white authorities were dictated to force Native Americans into snowy society at any cost .
Around the same time , a photographer namedEdward Curtiswas set to capture as many pictures of diverse autochthonic kin group as he could before their unique cultures were nearly wiped out forever . And in some of these photo , Native American masks made an appearance .
Take a look at some of Curtis ' photograph of these artifacts in the drift above , along with minimally edited versions of his original photo caption .
After looking through these pictures of aboriginal American masks , check outnine Native American adult female who have gone tragically leave out in the history books . Then , read up on theNative American genocide .
