Procession Costume Item Number: 2806/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Bark cloth costume with a round face gourd mask. The costume is narrow at the top (34 cm wide including ears), does not have arms or arm-holes, and the front opening is sewn closed with plant fibre. The head is lightly stuffed with newspaper. An oversized J-shaped penis attachment made of wood and wrapped in barkcloth is tied to the front of the costume. The circular face of the mask is framed with a bent stem tied on with grass fibres (19 cm in diameter). The face area is covered in a very dark brown paint or pitch and has projecting round eyes, a triangular nose and carved lips, with a round ear projecting out to each side. There is a faint painted circular design on the front side of the costume in orange and brown. The bottom of the pants is heavily fringed and is the widest part of the costume. The bark cloth ranges through three shades with the lightest used for the head, a light brown for the body and darker brown for the pants.
History Of Use
This costume shows no signs of use, and is an urban example of crafts produced for the tourist market, a growing activity, as ecotourism in the Amazon flourishes.
Narrative
The donor purchased the costume while on a trip along the Amazon River. It was hanging high on a wall in a museum. She was told it is from Leticia, where there is an annual parade of women with these costumes representing men.
Iconographic Meaning
The body uses two different kinds of tree bark, and is dot painted in a common Ticuna pattern. The head combines the traditional Ticuna design, including protuberant ears, with a face made of balsa wood and painted resin.
Item History
- Made in Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia during 2005
- Collected in Amazonas, Brazil during 2005
- Owned by Nancy Miller before July 23, 2010
- Received from Nancy Miller (Donor) on July 23, 2010
What
Who
- Culture
- Ticuna
- Previous Owner
- Nancy Miller
- Received from
- Nancy Miller (Donor)
Where
When
- Creation Date
- during 2005
- Collection Date
- during 2005
- Ownership Date
- before July 23, 2010
- Acquisition Date
- on July 23, 2010
Other
- Item Classes
- textiles
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2806/0001