Met Museum – Mask Artifact Observation

My favorite mask was Face Mask (Koma Ba).

It was my favorite because the mask has a lot of details in texture. 

I noticed that on the information tag, there are a lot of materials listed: wood, clay, feathers, horns, cotton, vegetable fiber. These materials are basic and all come from the great nature, which give the mask a very strong sense of wilderness. Also, the use of different materials makes the mask achieve variety in texture and adds fun to the piece. Audience won’t got boring when they look at the mask.

The mask was intended to combine with powerful forces. According to the statement in ArtTribal.com, contrary to other masks from this region, the Koma Ba is not attached to the head of the wearer. During the dance, it is being held in the hand, in front of the face. The composition is interesting that there are horns connected to the mask, pointing at different directions. This makes it possible for the audience’s attention to shift and keep their eyes drawn to the art piece, as well as expanding the space limitation of the mask. The mask also achieves unity in color. All the materials used in the mask is dim and dark and kind of worn out by time, which make the piece looks harmonious. The piece looks of great value and is such a spectacle.