Eagle-Bear Mask Item Number: Nb22.76 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Alder wood eagle mask with bear's head in centre of forehead; copper nails used to attach black and white bear's fur to outer rim; one stitch of white waxed cord attaches fur between bear's ears; white fur along eagle's jaw line; hair, with black wire wrapped ends, extend from four holes drilled into rim of bear's ears; features are emphasized in black and orange-red paint; bear's ears are outlined in black, centre has incised split u above two vertical lines; ridge in centre of forehead; black slanting brows; black eyes; orange-red nostrils and lip band; upper teeth are visible, top and bottom incisors overlap lip band. Eagle has black brows with small horizontal incised lines, fur overlaps brows; bulbous protruding eyes; orbital ridge melds with protruding cheek ridge; thin sharply curved beak incorporates wide orange-red lip band; flattened semi-circular orange-red nostrils on either side of beak. On reverse, leather strips attached to either side by one stitch of white cord; mask signed 'Dempsey Bob, Tahltan-Tlingit '87'; incised 'B' in a 'D' next to signature; unpainted wood finished with oil.

Cultural Context

contemporary art

Item History

What

Name
Eagle-Bear Mask
Identification Number
Nb22.76
Type of Item
mask
Material
acrylic paint, fibre, wax, leather skin, metal, hair, black bear skin and alder wood
Manufacturing Technique
carved, painted, nailed, drilled and tied
Overall
height 28.5 cm, width 26.0 cm, depth 18.5 cm

Who

Culture
Tahltan and Tlingit
Creator
Dempsey Bob (Maker)
Previous Owner
Dempsey Bob
Received from
Dempsey Bob (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1987
Ownership Date
before September 8, 1987
Acquisition Date
on September 8, 1987

Other

Condition
good
Accession Number
1233/0001