PAINTED MASK
(U.S.A.)

Oil Pastel on Museum Board • 20" x 16"

He is a Fancy Dancer. The Fancy Dancer’s clothes are based on Traditional style. What makes them stand out from the Traditional Dancers is the color of the Fancy Dancer’s regalia which includes many very vibrant colors. They use chemical dyes, metallic beads, flashy sequins, and ribbons to create a spectacular display. Also, instead of the single bustle used by the Traditional Dancers, Fancy Dancers use two, one at the lower back and one at the shoulders. Face and body paint are used for many reasons—some purely ornamental, some to provide magical protection for the wearer, and some to signify the outcome of a venture. While this dance was initially not very well received, it has since become very popular in the powwow competitions. The regalia of brilliant colors, shapes and textures almost dominated this Fancy Dancer’s appearance, but it was his expression behind the painted mask that was my focus.