Mask, Mythical Human

Item number E89042-0 from the National Museum of Natural History.

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Notes

From card: "Illus. in USNM AR, 1888, Pl. 16, fig. 60, p. 270. Loaned to the Department of Exhibits September 17, 1971. Copper teeth; rolling [movable] eyes. [Formerly] Exhibit Hall 9, 1987. Identified in exhibit label as Festival mask - A Human Spirit, Haida, collected at Skidegate village in 1883."On display in National Museum of Natural History exhibit "Objects of Wonder", 2017 - 2025. Exhibit label: Ceremonial mask, Heiltsuk (Bella Bella) or Nuxalk (Bella Coola), acquired from Haida, British Columbia, Canada, 1883; Painted wood, copper, leather. With its moveable eyes and lower jaw, this mask would have inspired awe and veneration. Representing a human-like spirit, the mask and its associated dance paraphernalia were worn by dancers in ritual ceremonies.