Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items