Mask Item Number: 1994.96 from the MAA: University of Cambridge
Description
A shaman mask, carved by Coast Salish artist George Pennier, in alder, painted with acrylic paint and with black human hair. The mask has upward turned eyes rimmed with red, heavy black eyebrows, and an open mouth with protruding tongue. Signed on the reverse of the mask and dated 1990. The mask was carved by a Coast Salish artist, George Pennier, a resident of Chilliwack, B.C. The style of the mask is Northern rather than Coast Salish, attributed to the fact some artists carve in styles that are not necessarily their own tribal group. The upturned eyes and protruding tongue represent a shaman in a trance, part of shamanic ritual during spirit quests and curing ceremonies. Shamanism, and its representation in art forms, is udergoing a hidden revival on the Northwest Coast indigenous community. This mask was made for sale and was purchased at Hill' s Indian Arts and Crafts Shop in Vancouver. Excellent
Context
Exhibited: Displayed in Living Traditions , CUMAA, from January 1995; Collected by: Crowther.Gillian in - 1 1994; The artist is from Chehalis, BC. (Jody Felix RRN comment 1 June 2010) There is an audio interview with George Pennier about his inspiration to create this piece. Noted, not on audio file, Mr. Pennier stated that to get the blue/green pigment, he soaked pennies in water and used the rust (Jody Felix, RRN, 27 April 2010).
Item History
- Made by George Pennier in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Received from Gillian Crowther
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- 1994.96
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, alder wood, human hair, paint and acrylic
Who
- Culture
- Northwest Coast
- Creator
- George Pennier
- Received from
- Gillian Crowther
Where
- Holding Institution
- MAA: University of Cambridge
- Made in
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Acquisition Date
- “1994” ?
Other
- Keyword
- Ceremonial Objects; Masques and Drama; Magic and Religion