Wednesday, November 30, 2011

The Tao Tieh Mask - China



Double-profile masks from Chinese ancient Shang bronzes.

"The Tao Tieh is a motif commonly found on ritual bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou Dynasty. The design typically consists of a zoomorphic mask, described as being frontal, bilaterally symmetrical, with a pair of raised eyes and typically no lower jaw area. Some argue that the design can be traced back to Neolithic jades of the ancient Yangtze River Liangzhu culture."

Haida masks


Haida - note that 2 eagle profiles combine to form a full-front image - from the Pacific Northwest - North America.


Haida tribe red beaver image - note the double-profile mask.

Mayan Shaman - Jaina Island, Campeche, Mexico


A bearded Semitic type.

Panama - Toucan


Keel-billed toucan from Panama.

Figurine from Jaina Island


Funerary figurine from Jaina Island.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Nicaragua


Orchid, Lake Nicaragua.


A female figure with a tapir headdress.




Statues in sculpture park, Altagracia, Ometepe island, Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua.