When we think of art, we probably think of painting a picture on a strong cloth or special paper, even on walls of a city. However, in many cultures, people paint their faces instead.
Is the face painting art?
In fact, the face painting may be the very first form of art. Painting faces are in different colors and patterns. This has been part of people's traditions for thousands of years. The way that people painted their faces can tell stories and lessons from the past.
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People still paint their faces for lots of reasons. Patterns on faces connect people to a tribal(部落的) family and can show who is the most important person in the family.For fighters, it is a way to make their enemies afraid.
How is the face painting important in theater?
The face painting was important in Japanese and Chinese ancient ceremonies. It was also used in traditional theater to change the actors' roles. Actors in those countries still wear white, black and red face painting today to show feelings and make the bad people look dramatic(戏剧性的) and awful.
Where does the paint come from?
Tribal people make the paint from the natural colors in plants and earth. Plant parts are used to make different colorings. The ingredients are dried over a fire and then made into powder. It is then mixed with animal fat.
