Faces identify us.
In India the decorative arts included henna painting.
The Maori of New Zealand had a tattoo technique,
called ‘moko’, using their woodcarving skills
to carve and color skin, communicating their status
and tribal affiliations.
Tongues out, the Maori warriors would grimmace and yell
to scare off enemies.
Chiefs would sign documents with exact renderings of their moko.
The ancient Celts used valuable blue woad
also known as false indigo.
Presenting a frightening sight,
they screamed at the top of their lungs.
Face Painting is traditional in every culture
carrying great importance.
Symbolic designs displaying spiritual meanings.
These intense colors grace the face of a Chinese opera star who emotes passion.
Native Americans used tribal motifs
to identify themselves in encounters with others.
Makeup artists help tell the story.
The Academy of Arts and Sciences
awards an Oscar
to the best makeup artist in film.
Clown paint has always drawn laughs and gasps.
The designs are personal.
Reactions private.
Probably along with men's ties.
Both having roots in making impressions,
showing status.
And for heaven's sake!
Whatever you do,
Don't forget the don'ts!
1 comment:
I wish 'face painting' at kid's parties, carnivals and the like was as exquisite as all this.
Can you imagine?
Something waaaaaay beyond the typical butterfly, peace sign, star or daisy on the cheek.
Adults could get painted too.
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