Mask

Item number Af338 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Small mask with fine features and articulated jaw. Hair is in the form of a black crest. Two cone-shaped protrusions rise on either side of the crest; those in front are red, those in back are black. A long, raised scarification mark on the centre forehead ends between thin black eyebrows. Eyes are narrow slits. Small rounded ears are separated from eyes by two black raised disks with raised horizontal rectangles in between. Lips are painted black. Jaw is joined to upper section with bark(?) threaded through holes behind eyes and the top of the jaw. Perforations are made in hair crest, black cones and behind ears. Mask is patinated.

History Of Use

Worn by men in Maiden Spirit masquerades of a middle grade of the men's society (secret). They are used in a festival in preparation for the beginning of the dry season. Masqueraders dance as a group, or individually. They also dance at burial ceremonies throughout the year.