The Messenger Item Number: 2648/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Cast bronze mask composed of a central human face surrounded by three other faces (top and sides) and five frogs. The face on top of the central face is smaller and has hair. The other two faces are at each side of the central face and may be human or frogs. Three frogs are sitting, legs adjoined, below the central face. The frog in the middle is facing up towards the central face, with its tongue caught between the lips of the central face. The other two frogs are facing away from the central face. Two frogs sit at each side of the top smaller face, their legs joining the top face and the side faces. Series #3/6.
Iconographic Meaning
In the northern First Nations traditions the frog is seen as a transformer and communicator.
Narrative
Bronze cast of a wooden mask-like sculpture; cast in a series of 6.
Item History
- Made by Dempsey Bob (Maker) in Terrace, British Columbia, Canada during 2000
- Owned by Dempsey Bob before April 18, 2005
- Received from Blue Wolfe Arts Ltd. (Seller), Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) and Canada Council (Funding source) on April 18, 2005
What
- Name
- The Messenger
- Identification Number
- 2648/1
- Type of Item
- sculpture
- Material
- bronze metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- cast
- Overall
- height 47.4 cm, width 36.6 cm, depth 25.7 cm
Who
- Culture
- Tahltan and Tlingit
- Creator
- Dempsey Bob (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Dempsey Bob
- Received from
- Blue Wolfe Arts Ltd. (Seller), Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) and Canada Council (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Terrace, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 2000
- Ownership Date
- before April 18, 2005
- Acquisition Date
- on April 18, 2005
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 42
- Accession Number
- 2648/0001