Mask

Item number Na1123 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Data
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Description

Round, stylized human face mask with sides sloping up to eyebrows and mouth. Mouth is curved slit with flattened lip. Thin almond shaped eye holes on slope below curved brow ridge. Triangular nose in high relief. Faint dark triangle on chin, bands below nose indicating a moustache, also eyebrows and hair. Small holes drilled on either side. Evenly spaced series of holes along edge of mask do not go through to back. Screwed in metal hook at top centre back. Back surface is rough with 'nesk-7-ex' in black and '2-11991' in white letters. White stain on face.

History Of Use

Traditional Alaskan mask carving reached a peak in the 18th and 19th centuries. Single human or animal face masks are common to northern Alaska, and the line between secular and religious masks is difficult to draw, although secular masks are generally plainer. Male dancers wore masks in winter ceremonies.