Mask
Heiltsuk artist, Mask, ca. 1890, paint on wood, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 2009.9.22
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Mask
- Artist
- 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
Northwest Coast Native American styles
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