Otomí masks have changed and developed over time. There are many cultural shifts that have occurred that altered the Otomí masking traditions. The masks that were once used for maintaining social order, connecting with the spirit world through magic, represented symbols, and told great myths, have become more theatrical and less ritualistic. Many Mexican indigenous groups no longer practice shamanistic rituals, but many contemporary uses of masks continue to incorporate shamanistic elements. (Cordry, 141). Masks are still used and valued today, but in a different way.
The cultural shifts that have affected the uses and meanings of masks the most, are the advancements in technology and the way of life. Mask-making is a disappearing art that …show more content…
The use of a radio and television are now accepted by the Otomíes and surrounding indigenous groups. The television and radio emphasize the use of Spanish as the primary language and replace traditional values with modern ones. They also encourage the village groups to move to the cities. Due to the social changes that have taken place over the last hundred years, the function and importance of masks in many communities has faded away. Young people do not see any value or necessity in becoming a mask maker today, so in manly villages mask making as an art and craft is only practiced by elderly men. As the elders disappear, so do the masking traditions (Cordry, 100-102).
Another huge change in the Otomi culture that has affected the use of masks today is the change from shamanism to christianity. Many elements of shamanism were lost or altered by the Catholic Church. The shaman himself has almost disappeared from Mexico complete. Due to medical technology the shamans previous job of healing the sick is no longer necessary. Cordry states that “no curing ceremonies in which masks are used exist today” …show more content…
Due to advancements in tools, such as the electric saw, the mask making process is less time consuming and more masks are produced at a faster rate. The availability of paint and wood makes mask making a lot easier than it once was. One no longer needs extensive training and skill to become a mask maker. Before, professional mask makers would take weeks to complete just one mask. The masks were always unique to the mask maker and handled with great care. Today the masks are less unique and more ambiguous (Cordry, 160). The old mask makers who once knew the symbols of the masks kept them a secret. Before another member was able to receive any of the the masking information, the makers had to know and trust them. Getting to know someone and trusting them is not a quick and easy process. Unfortunately, with the new technologies and jobs available, the young men in the villages were not interested in learning the masking secrets. As old mask makers die off, their knowledge dies with them. There are villages today that still produce the traditional Otomí masks but many, including the mask makers themselves, do not understand their symbolic meanings that their ancestors once knew (Cordry,
The cultural shifts that have affected the uses and meanings of masks the most, are the advancements in technology and the way of life. Mask-making is a disappearing art that …show more content…
The use of a radio and television are now accepted by the Otomíes and surrounding indigenous groups. The television and radio emphasize the use of Spanish as the primary language and replace traditional values with modern ones. They also encourage the village groups to move to the cities. Due to the social changes that have taken place over the last hundred years, the function and importance of masks in many communities has faded away. Young people do not see any value or necessity in becoming a mask maker today, so in manly villages mask making as an art and craft is only practiced by elderly men. As the elders disappear, so do the masking traditions (Cordry, 100-102).
Another huge change in the Otomi culture that has affected the use of masks today is the change from shamanism to christianity. Many elements of shamanism were lost or altered by the Catholic Church. The shaman himself has almost disappeared from Mexico complete. Due to medical technology the shamans previous job of healing the sick is no longer necessary. Cordry states that “no curing ceremonies in which masks are used exist today” …show more content…
Due to advancements in tools, such as the electric saw, the mask making process is less time consuming and more masks are produced at a faster rate. The availability of paint and wood makes mask making a lot easier than it once was. One no longer needs extensive training and skill to become a mask maker. Before, professional mask makers would take weeks to complete just one mask. The masks were always unique to the mask maker and handled with great care. Today the masks are less unique and more ambiguous (Cordry, 160). The old mask makers who once knew the symbols of the masks kept them a secret. Before another member was able to receive any of the the masking information, the makers had to know and trust them. Getting to know someone and trusting them is not a quick and easy process. Unfortunately, with the new technologies and jobs available, the young men in the villages were not interested in learning the masking secrets. As old mask makers die off, their knowledge dies with them. There are villages today that still produce the traditional Otomí masks but many, including the mask makers themselves, do not understand their symbolic meanings that their ancestors once knew (Cordry,