Wit Han's Nojang Mask: Reflecting Traditional Korean Culture

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Introduction
Korean mask, as one of the most quintessential symbol of the intangible cultural properties of Korea, reflects traditional Korean cultural values through its depiction of conflicts between classes represented by various symbolic characters. This essay will specifically examine a Korean mask representing Nojang, an old depraved monk, and the mask’s shifted meanings caused by the problematic display at MOA (UBC Museum of Anthropology), as a “universal museum”. Nojang mask was made of ground fruit, cotton fibre, paper, adhesive and paints (Moacat 2669/5: Materials). The mask was originally produced in Vancouver by the traditional Korean artist Changhyun Han, and is currently displayed in case 077 at MOA (Moacat 2669/5: Overview).
Original Context …show more content…

Songpa mask dance originated in the central region of the Korean peninsula around nineteenth centuries. It was often played outdoors at public market to attract people. Masks were believed to dispel evil spirits, diseases and beasts; to manifest supernatural beings; to honor the deceased and to represent totemic animals (Durgadas). The majority of performers came from the primary level social groups such as servants, merchants and labors for middle classes etc. (Jeong 3). The mask dance in this region is mainly performed on festive days such as New Year’s Day, Dano (May 5 on the lunar calendar), Buddhist All Souls’ Day (July 15 on the lunar calendar), and Chuseok (Korea’s Thanksgiving Day). Unlike other mask performances around the world such as the Guatemalan Dance of the Conquest, which often has clear distinction between the audience and the performers, Korean mask dances are remarkable in their enthusiastic unity with the audience in which everyone joins together and brings the mask dance to the

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