Skeleton Mask Item Number: 2716/24 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large wooden mask with painted designs and fringe. There are openings for the eyes, nose and mouth. There are round over-hangings above the eyes, thick cheeks and protruding ears with cowrie shells. The open mouth has many square white teeth. The mask is painted with swirling abstract designs in white, red and yellow on black ground. Sewn to the back and bottom is a long grass-like fringe.
Narrative
This mask was danced in Palembei, PNG, in 2006 to welcome Coast Salish artist John Marston to the village. John Marston travelled to Palembei to meet master carver Teddy Balangu as part of an exchange programme. The mask was used to celebrate the coming together of two great carving cultures of the Coast Salish of British Columbia and the Iatmul of Papua New Guinea.
Item History
- Made by Thomas Kain (Maker) in Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea during 2006
- Collected by Carol E. Mayer in East Sepik, Papua New Guinea between April 2006 and May 2006
- Owned by Carol E. Mayer before October 16, 2008
- Received from Carol E. Mayer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on October 16, 2008
What
- Name
- Skeleton Mask
- Identification Number
- 2716/24
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, cowrie shell, grass ? and paint
- Overall
- height 50.0 cm, width 30.0 cm, depth 28.5 cm
Who
- Culture
- Iatmul
- Creator
- Thomas Kain (Maker)
- Field Collector
- Carol E. Mayer
- Previous Owner
- Carol E. Mayer
- Received from
- Carol E. Mayer (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Palembei, East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
- Collected in
- East Sepik, Papua New Guinea
When
- Creation Date
- during 2006
- Collection Date
- between April 2006 and May 2006
- Ownership Date
- before October 16, 2008
- Acquisition Date
- on October 16, 2008
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 72
- Accession Number
- 2716/0024