ORACLE
A Metal Sculpture by Gilbert McCann: Metal Artist
A mask is worn on the face, for protection, disguise, performance, or as ornamentation. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes. It is thought first masks may have been used by primitive people to associate the wearer with authority. The oldest masks found are 9,000+ years old. The practice of masking is much older — but because they were made from war-paint, leather, or wood, those have not been preserved. However, they are visible in paleolithic cave drawings. Masks have been found in all parts of the world from the Americas to Asia and Europe.
My mask is called Oracle. Oracles, usually a priest or a priestess, were thought to be portals through which the gods spoke directly to people. They were thought to provide wise and insightful counsel or prophetic predictions of the future, inspired by the god. My oracle was an insightful, stoic, priest in ancient Greece. He was consulted by the wealthy, the army’s generals and the politicians in search of divine guidance. Today he is being visited by a powerful general. To prepare for this meeting Oracle has donned his ceremonial armor.
ORACLE
SPECIFICATIONS
Height: 14 inches
Width: 8 inches
Depth: 3 inches
MATERIALS
Steel, Copper, Brass Fasteners, Powder Coating
STATUS
Available for purchase
Click on any image below to see a larger overlay view of this sculpture.
