Mask, Mythical Human Item Number: E89042-0 from the National Museum of Natural History
Notes
From card: "Illus. in USNM AR, 1888, Pl. 16, fig. 60, p. 270. Loaned to the Department of Exhibits September 17, 1971. Copper teeth; rolling [movable] eyes. [Formerly] Exhibit Hall 9, 1987. Identified in exhibit label as Festival mask - A Human Spirit, Haida, collected at Skidegate village in 1883."On display in National Museum of Natural History exhibit "Objects of Wonder", 2017 - 2025. Exhibit label: Ceremonial mask, Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) or Nuxalk (Bella Coola), acquired from Haida, British Columbia, Canada, 1883; Painted wood, copper, leather. With its moveable eyes and lower jaw, this mask would have inspired awe and veneration. Representing a human-like spirit, the mask and its associated dance paraphernalia were worn by dancers in ritual ceremonies.
Item History
- Made in Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected by James G. Swan in Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada during 1883
- Received on December 21, 1883
What
- Name
- Mask, Mythical Human
- Identification Number
- E89042-0
- Type of Item
- mask
Who
- Culture
- Haida, Bella Bella (Heiltsuk) ? and Bella Coola (Nuxalk) ?
- Field Collector
- James G. Swan
Where
- Holding Institution
- National Museum of Natural History
- Made in
- Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Skidegate, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- during 1883
- Acquisition Date
- on December 21, 1883
Other
- Accession Number
- 013804