Masks, Transformation, and Paradox

by A. David Napier, Rodney Needham (Foreword)

Masks are found world-wide in connection with seasonal festivals, rites of passage, and curative ceremonies. They provide a means of investigating the paradoxical problems that appearances pose in the experience of transitional states. In this far-reaching work, A. David Napier studies mask iconography and the role played by masks in the realization of change. The masks of preclassical Greece¯in particular those of the Satyr and the Gorgon¯provide his starting point. A comparison of Greek to Eastern and especially Indian models follows, and the book concludes with an examination of the interpretation of Hindu ideas in Bali that demonstrates the importance of ambivalence in mask iconography.

312 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1986

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although more specialized to anthropological iconography, Napier's book does achieve the general task of relating masks to transformative cultural rites, ceremonies, and drama in a way that shows why masks are antithetical to monothesim (but especially christianity) and necessary in polytheism. Napier takes up the origin of Greek drama (tragedy and catharsis) before analyzing satyrs, gorgons, and the Third Eye. He concludes with a discussion of the Balinese masking tradition and sensory responses to the masks. Highly original and necessary reading if masks are in your field of study.

[Stas]

I learned how to use the word apotropaic from this book.