What does Korean mask symbolize?
Korean Mask – a façade that reveals one’s inner desires. The Korean mask is a unique dichotomous symbol, embodying the significance of tradition while allowing the wearer to realize full self-expression and liberation. From weddings to entertainment and art, Korea’s face masks are a cultural treasure.
What is traditional Korean mask?
Hahoetal masks (河回탈 및 屛山탈) are the traditional Korean masks worn in the Hahoe Pyolshin-gut t’al nori ceremony (Hahoe byeolsingut talnori) dating back to the 12th century. They are counted among the treasures of South Korea, and the oldest Hahoe mask is on display in the National Museum of Korea.
What is Talnori in Korea?
Talnori is one of the traditional Korean performance styles, in which each performer wears a mask and makeup corresponding to his or her role. The talnori has maintained its original folk drama characteristics by the continual performance and appreciation of the general commoners in Korea.
Why do Koreans wear mask during funeral service?
The Bangsangssi mask is considered the oldest traditional mask in Korea, passed down from the Silla Dynasty, around the 6th century. These masks were generally placed in front of funeral biers to banish evil spirits during funeral services or used in royal exorcism ceremonies.
In what century the Korean masks became part of elaborate dances and dramas?
During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), the mask-dance had acquired its basic form with aspects of professional theatrical entertainment. The mask-dances have been performed during traditional holidays and festivals over the past three hundred years.
Is a satirical dance that uses Korean masks?
Korea has several forms of mask theatre. All of them combine dance music, and spoken lines. These various forms of mask theatre are called by the generic names either talchum or tal nori. …
Is a type of traditional dance drama performed in masks?
Talchum (탈춤) or t’alch’um could be characterized as a Korean dance performed while wearing a mask, mimicry, miming, speaking and even sometimes singing. However, Talchum is nowadays accepted as a general term for mask dance drama.
What are the typical common stories presented in Tal Nori?
Tal-nori was generally performed in a series of acts sometimes related and other times not, but some common themes from the acts are the satirical portrayal of the upper classes, and the conflict between an old or ugly wife and a young concubine.
What cultures use masks?
They were also widely used among Oceanic peoples of the South Pacific and among American Indians. Masks have served an important role as a means of discipline and have been used to admonish. Common in China, Africa, Oceania, and North America, admonitory masks usually completely cover the features of the wearer.
How Koreans honor the dead?
Memorial services that are performed on Chuseok or New Year’s Day are called “charye”. On April 5 and before Chuseok, Koreans visit the tombs of their ancestors and trim the grass off the tombs. Then, they offer food, fruits, and wine, and finally make bows in front of the tombs.
What are traditional Korean masks used for?
In any case, traditional Korean masks have been used for funerals, curing ceremonies, satirical plays and pure entertainment for centuries. The first talchum performances probably took place during the Three Kingdoms Period, from 18 BCE to 935 CE.
What are the main themes of Korean masked dance?
Korean masked dance and drama revolve around four dominant themes or plots. The first is mockery of the avarice, stupidity and general unwholesomeness of the aristocracy. The second is a love triangle between a husband, a wife, and a concubine.
Why do Korean dancers wear sleeves on their face?
The dramatic, flowing white sleeves help to make the actor’s movements more expressive, which is quite useful when wearing a fixed-jaw mask. This style of sleeves is seen in the costumes for several other types of formal or court dance in Korea as well.
What happened to Hahoe talchum mask?
The mask was taken to Japan as war booty by General Konishi Yukinaga between 1592 and 1598, and then it disappeared for 400 years. Hahoe talchum is just one of dozens of styles of Korean masks and associated dances.