Throughout my life, I have encountered cultural objects like masks and musical instruments in a variety of settings. I have long witnessed theater productions with masks used as part of the performance, as well as school and community events with traditional cultural performances. As an alternative, I have taken music classes or played an instrument as a pastime, which inspired me to select this subject for the assignment.
Throughout history, a variety of societies and cultures have employed masks as a form of cultural artifact. Wood, clay, bone, metal, and other materials are frequently used to create these items. Masks are frequently decorated and ornamental, with detailed patterns and decorations. The use of masks varies significantly between cultures and eras. Masks may occasionally be worn during religious or spiritual rituals as a means of channeling spiritual energy or establishing a connection with the divine (Johanson, 2021). In other instances, masks are worn during theatrical productions or as a component of customary cultural festivals.
Instruments for making music and sound are known as musical instruments. They exist in almost every culture in the world and take on a variety of shapes. Each type of instrument, from percussion instruments like drums and xylophones to stringed instruments like guitars and violins, has a distinct history and cultural significance (Johanson, 2021). The didgeridoo, an Australian Indigenous wind instrument, is one example of a cultural item connected to musical instruments. The didgeridoo is a hollowed-out tree trunk instrument that is played by blowing air through it while exhaling in a circular motion. It has been utilized in customary rites for countless years and is said to have a mystical significance.
The erhu, a two-stringed instrument from China, is another illustration. In Chinese music, the erhu has a lengthy history and is frequently connected to opera and traditional folk music. It is performed using a bow and has a unique tone that is both lovely and melancholy (Johanson, 2021). In addition to having cultural value, musical instruments have the power to unite people, convey ideas and emotions, and encourage artistic expression.
Reference
Johanson, M. (2021). Cultural Artifacts. MaryAnn Johanson.