 | The Masks paintings are symbolic illustrations of women as dancers, with masks in the background. The masks are Oriental in style and connected to traditional Japanese Noh masks. Noh is a lyrical Japanese dance-drama that began in the 14th century. There are more than 200 different kinds of Noh masks known in Japan, all unique in design. The Native American maiden shown at left is wearing a buffalo robe with a design that was a common motif in ancient Greek art, and a symbol of friendship among Native Americans. This good luck symbol was also referred to as a "flyfoot" on Indian blankets, baskets, art objects, sand paintings, and clothing. The design was also known as the "rolling log" design by early quilters in the United States. A number of Schmucker's images that he submitted to the Detroit Publishing Company, circa 1905-06, including some of the masks in this set of paintings, appear later in seasonal greeting postcard designs he did for the John Winsch Company, 1909-1915. |
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