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Mask


Heiltsuk artist, Mask, ca. 1890, paint on wood, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 2009.9.22

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Details
Title

Mask

Artist

Heiltsuk artist (Heiltsuk)

Date

ca. 1890

Medium

paint on wood

Dimensions (H x W x D)

9 1/2 in x 7 1/2 in x 6 in

Collection Area

Native American Art

Category

Northwest Coast

Ceremonial and Ritual Objects

Object Type

mask

Cultural Group

Heiltsuk

Credit Line

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection

Accession Number

2009.9.22

Copyright

no known copyright restrictions

Terms

ceremonial objects

Heiltsuk

masks

Northwest Coast Native American styles

paint

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection

wood

Description

Face masks are brought out on ceremonial occasions in the display of inherited crests and privileges and as a means by which the presence of supernatural beings and their powers are made tangible. Eyeholes allow the wearer to see during the dance or dramatization of a story or event related to the creature depicted. The pierced openings along the top of this mask most likely were filled with feathers, echoing the painted U-shapes and hatch marks referencing plumage. - Anna Strankman

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