Mask

Item number Na1122 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Oval, stylized, dark brown human face with triangular nose. Face slopes off on either side and slopes off under nostril holes. Mouth is semi-circular hole, flat along bottom with carved Chinese-style green glass beads nailed just below mouth on either side. Series of pencil ? v's along a line from either side of mouth extending out to sides of mask. Curved pencil lines above almond shaped eye holes. A brittle hide ? strip passes through and is tied at small holes on either side of mask. Strip is knotted at centre. Back surface is smooth except at bevelled areas around holes and nose indentation. Black letters on one side read 'Nesk.20.p' and white numbers at bottom read '23757'.

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.