<center><h4>I cannot really fully explain this drawing - there are many things that influenced it, and some are drawn from my subconscious. Maybe I ought to see a shrink ..... nah, I am OK, even if they come and visit me at night! </h4></center>

[![SH100934-2200web.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUFb1fWposx8GjqZRrKz4YGTaaGbkkCG2DK4mFXt5xbkH/SH100934-2200web.jpg)](https://steemitimages.com/DQmUFb1fWposx8GjqZRrKz4YGTaaGbkkCG2DK4mFXt5xbkH/SH100934-2200web.jpg)

<center><sup> *Right click  the image and select "open in new window"  to view full screen!*</sup></center>

<center><b>MUMMENSCHANZ</b><br>graphite on paper - 2012 - 30 cm x 20 cm</center>
<center><b>DETAIL</b></center>

![MUMMENSCHANZ detail-1200.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdcECaGv7PbVUWuskzg3xUKKRRmgSuK8YZ5iKpsajJd2X/MUMMENSCHANZ%20detail-1200.jpg)

<blockquote>
<center><b>About the title:</b></center> <br>It is interesting that the Wikipedia article that first pops up is about a Swiss mask theater troupe who perform in a surreal mask- and prop-oriented style. This in turn makes me think of  
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[Claes Oldenburg's Store Days and Ray Gun Theater](https://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/2013/06/26/revisiting-oldenburgs-the-store/)
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 but that is not the point of my drawing. I picked the title (as I do most times after the work is finished) based on my own recollection and knowledge of something that is deeply ankered in my Austrian roots: 'The name Mummenschanz [ˈmʊmənˌʃanʦ] is German for "mummery," or a play involving mummers. Mummer is an Early Modern English term for a mime artist.' (quote from Wikipedia, see links below).  Maybe the influence for this drawing comes also from the 
<center>

[Austrian Perchten Pagan Tradition](http://www.tourmycountry.com/austria/perchtenpagancustom1.htm). 
</center>
<b>Who or what is behind that mask?</b>
<h4>Traditionally, Frau Perchta is believed to be a god-like creature half man, half woman, but usually displayed in its female manifestation. </h4> 
<center><b>Related Links:</b><br>

<b>[MUMMENSCHANZ - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummenschanz)</b><br>

<b>[MUMMERS PLAY - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummers_play)</b>

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</blockquote>

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[MUMMENSCHANZ print on Pixels.com](https://otto-rapp.pixels.com/featured/mummenschanz-otto-rapp.html) 👹 [MUMMENSCHANZ on my website](https://www.artofthemystic.com/mummenschanz.html)

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