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Graziano Viale

  • This mask in dark brown hide strikingly reinterprets the grotesque Mamuthones mask, a fascinating yet frightening figure of the traditional carnival of Mamoiada.

  • It depicts the Western swamphen of Cabras; the fine leather mask that can be worn is executed with refined technique and with sheer stylistic elegance. It is part of a unique set of masks, functional and decorative, resulting from a research on local wildlife.

  • The mouflon, symbolic animal of the island’s fauna, is represented in its charismatic elegance in this mask in painted hide with the addition of the frontal decoration taken from the masks of the famous carnival of the local tradition.

  • This evocative mask in natural hide revives the characteristic expression of the well-known grotesque grinning masks in Phoenician-Punic terracotta.

  • The Su Porcu mask, inspired by the traditional Carnival of Ottana, is inspired by the figure of the animal and turned it into a sacred symbol of magical significance.

The artisan

Graziano Viale's masks express the charisma of metamorphoses, magic and theatre, behind the ability change face and transform an image. Being native of North Italy, a tireless traveler and storyteller, Graziano arrived in Sardinia with the curiosity and the ability to investigate identity in the souls of the peoples and to create the evocative and ever-changing faces of tradition. Its leather masks designed internally by Safir, are beautifully designed to be worn, dedicated to the world of theatre and performance as well as individual enthusiasts, who are sensitive to the charm of masks and their symbolic and decorative power. He constantly collaborates in classical theater and avant-garde projects and its masks are found in many Italian theatres, in the rest of Europe and worldwide. He develops cultural projects and collaborates with Italian schools with seminars and workshops on the history and creation of leather masks.

The collection

His mask production, made of high quality leather, are divided into different themes: The commedia dell'arte, the Masks of Sardinia , the Greek Theatre, the Phoenician Punic Masks, are skilfully studied by the artisan to obtain aesthetic elegance and finesse from each artifacts. Available in several sizes, they are designed to be worn or used as a decorative object of great visual value.

The technique

The creation of the leather mask is the result of a preliminary study made of clay to calibrate distances and the proportions of anatomical details. From this first study, the craftsman produces the final model carved in wood or resin on which the leather is modelled carefully during modelling.

More details on the Mediterranean Crafts Archive

To get to know the territory, the techniques and the tools, visit the relevant section.

Type of artefact: Decorative leather objects

Where to find them

Indirizzo:
Brigata Sassari, 34 09072 Cabras (OR)

E-mail: info@maskere.it

Telefono: +39 0783 558023; 333 9668581

Sito web: www.maskere.it/