Community Over Self

The Western portrayal of self is understood through the bias of individualism and grandeur. The cultures displayed here are more focused on the group as a whole than their Western counterparts. This is most tangible in a mask’s inherent lack of individuality.

The existence of a unified beauty standard reflects a community creating and upholding a common belief. Works embodying a beauty standard project an aspirational portrait of the community. Tribal identification and scarification belie a specific group identity and physically place themselves within that community. 

All of these works are painted wood. The ephemeral nature of this media and the masks’ ritual utilization place these masks outside the Western perception of high art. These are not seen as lacking in their home cultures and are arguably more valuable for their use in performance and ritual.