Figure Item Number: 938/4 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Standing masked figure wearing a long, conical mask. The figure has a thick twine-like fringe around the neck and wears a long two-tiered fringe skirt. The main body is stuffed and covered in crocheted pink, blue, and white alternating stripes. Head and hat are painted black, with white ellipses for the mouth and eyes, and white and brown crisscrossing patterns on the hat--hat has a tasseled string dangling from the point. The figure is mounted on a flat, square wooden base.

History Of Use

Wooden miniature showing a masked figure, Chicunza, of the male initiation ceremonies – called the mukanda. Each masked figure represents an ancestor, as well as specific values, skills, and knowledge.