Performer's body is covered with fresh palm fronds. 1 DESCRIBE What do you see?
Read the credit line for information about this work.
List the information from the credit line.
• Do you recognize any objects or figures? Describe them.
Based on its size and the materials used, do you think
the work is heavy or light? Explain.
►2 ANALYZE How is this work organized?
This step deals with the formal qualities. It is a clue-
collecting step. You will note the art elements used
as well as the art principles that organize them.
• What shape is repeated on the horse's platform?
Where do you find the same repeated shapes?
• What proportion of this sculpture is the helmet-mask?
3 INTERPRET What message does this artwork
communicate to you?
The third step is concerned with content. This is
where you make guesses about the meaning of the
work. Remember that you do not need to know what
the artist meant. Instead, decide what this headdress
communicates to you.
From the measurements given in the credit line, do
you think the helmet section is a hat or a mask?
Why is this work decorated with painted patterns?
On what type of occasion would you imagine the
headdress is worn? By whom is it wom? Explain.
What do you think it would feel like to have your body
covered with palm fronds and the headdress on your
head? How would you want to move?
What do you think this headdress communicates?
Write a briel story or poem about this mask-headdress.
4 JUDGE What do you think of the work?
Now, you are ready to make an aesthetic judgment.
Do you think this is a successful ceremonial work of
ar? Use one or more of the three aesthetic theories
explained in this chapter to defend your indgment.