The Mask Carver

The role of the mask carver in this whole ceremony is actually an interesting one. Rather than seeking to become accomplished and successful, the only case the sculptor would seek renown is for the prosperity and social respect it entails. Though skilled scupltors often do enjoy considerable social respect, not even the most gifted of them are placed on a pedestal. In fact, their works belong to the king of the tribe and are effectively attributed to him. Since may masks serve ritual purposes and are considered magically powerful objects, it is not surprising that the work of the mask carver is accompanied by religious ritual. He works outside the village, usually at a place considered to be sacred, and he must observe certain rules of ritual cleanliness (fasting, isolation from women, sexual abstinence and avoiding anything associated with death). It is characteristic of the mask carver, however, that he never participates in the ritual wearing of masks in dances or performances.

I find it interesting to compare the mask carver's role in tribal society to that of a design in modern society. Can any parallels be found? Perhaps it would be an interesting experiment to take a designer and have them follow a comparative ritual?