Taped outdoors in California's gorgeous Pinnacles National Monument, this video features Mescalero Apache elder Fred Caballero and Kris Thoeni demonstrating two methods for making gourd masks. The artists use common modern-day supplies like spray paint and leather dye and a variety of embellishments to bring their masks to life, and also cover the cultural, semi-sacred nature of Native American masks and the importance of respecting the tradition and spirit of the originals. Contemporary Native American music by Phil Hudson is an enjoyable bonus. When the two artists complete their masks (Ms. Thoeni finishes after sunset, a subtle warning to those who might think these are quickie projects), we watch a class of schoolchildren making their own gourd masks. The tape finishes with the pleasant suggestion of getting the family together to have a mask-making day. Other than the video special effects guy going nuts with cheesy performance "art" of fire dancers and spirit dancers, this is a wonderful title, and one which will be popular in all crafts collections. Highly recommended. (R. Reagan)
Gourd Masks
(1995) 43 minutes. $21.95. Life Base Team. PPR. Color cover. 1-885760-17-5. Vol. 11, Issue 2
Gourd Masks
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