For this assignment it was required to design, fabricate, and document a mask or wearable prop that represents a spiritual animal that I identify with. I chose a panda for because of it spiritual significance and symbolism, the panda as a spirit animal symbolizes peace and gentle strength. Also, it is a symbol of good luck and positive thoughts. Many Chinese philosophers believe that the universe is made from two opposing forces, the Yin and Yang. The panda is one symbol of this philosophy with its contrasting black-and-white fur. Pandas for me represent balance which also ties in to my zodiac sign (libra), I find myself constantly trying to balance things in my life.
For the design aspect of the mask I felt it was important for the individual wearing the mask to not be able to see out of it. The three human lookingeyes were crutial to include inorder to convey the transformation/spiritual aspect of the I wanted the mask to be a mesh of human and panda like features. It is as if me and the panda are intertwind im going through a spiritual process. The spiritual realm is often times not seen with the physical eyes so blocking off the abiltiy to see was important. But the mask on its own has the eyes open beacuse of the masks function.
This mask would be used for ceremonial practices, I think of it as an aid for getting in contact with ones spiritual animal and or the spiritual realm.
