Mask Item Number: 1373/11 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wooden carved and painted antelope mask. Large, protruding, triangular snout; two raised, round eyes; two large horns that curve inwards on top; and two smaller ears that taper to a sharp point behind the horns. Mask has thick band around its perimeter with a line of evenly spaced holes. Decorated with black and white geometric designs, with thin reddish line; inside of snout and ears also painted red.

Iconographic Meaning

Antelopes are thought to be especially rich in nyama (life-force).