Masquerade Project

For my last project of the year I have been asked to construct a mask/headdress to use as a prop in a high fashion photo shoot influenced by fashion through the years and current trends. 

I was given four themes to choose from to design my mask, these were 
- Masquerade Balls of Louis XIV 
- Day of the Dead 
- Pagan Festivals/Mythology 
-Tribal

After spending much time researching different areas within my four given themes, I decided to construct a headdress and a mask based on the Native American mythology of the Eagle Warrior. This was a very appealing choice for me, I spent much time mind mapping the different elements of the Native American Eagle warrior and other parts of their ancient culture. 
Researching in this way helped me to think about important points that will influence my design such as:
-Colour 
-Texture 
-Materials 
-Form and Shape 
-Function 
-Symbols 
-Ornaments 

Ancient Native American Eagle Warrior.1

The Native American Eagle Warrior 
The Native American Eagle Warrior is an important part of their protective culture. To them the Eagle itself had 'commanding presence' and is often associated with 'militaristic power and great hunting ability'.2 In aztec and native american culture the eagle is known to be one of the most powerful animal beings. 

Going back thousands of years Eagle Warriors were a special type of Aztec warrior. In Ancient Aztec history Eagle Warriors were men who dressed in Eagle feathers and dressed their helmets with Eagle heads. They were known to be the strongest type of fighters.3

Looking into the ancient history and meaning of what it is to be an Eagle Warrior gave me strong direction for the mood of my photo shoot and has helped to influence certain elements I will incorporate into my headdress/mask that I want to incorporate. 

Bibliography 

1. Latinamericanstudies.org, (2015). [online] Available at: http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/aztecs/eagle-warrior.jpg [Accessed 28 Apr. 2015].

2.Molyneaux, B. and Jones, D. (2006). Mythology of the North American Indian and Inuit nations. London: Southwater.

3.Molyneaux, B. and Jones, D. (2006). Mythology of the North American Indian and Inuit nations. London: Southwater.