Mask Item Number: 2669/3 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask of Somu (the flirtatious young woman) character. White oval shaped face with protruding black eyebrows, dotted outlined eyes with circular cut-out centres, large nose, protruding red lips, red circular cheeks, and black painted hair. Black cloth covering and ties are attached to the back of the mask and hang down. Mask backing is yellow and has a white label with printed red characters to one side.
Iconographic Meaning
Somu is a bar hostesss who has affairs with three of the characters: Nojang, Chwibari and the Nobleman.
Specific Techniques
First the gourd masks were carved, then three layers of paper mache were applied, then they were painted.
Narrative
Part of a set of masks made in Canada after the maker immigrated, but his family brought him the traditional materials to make the masks from Korea. The masks were donated by Mr. Han, Changhyun, in a ceremony held in the Great Hall at the Museum of Anthropology. Following the ceremony, Mr. Han and the Traditional Korean Arts Society put on a special masked dance performance.
Item History
- Made by Changhyun Han (Maker) in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada between 2002 and 2003
- Owned by Changhyun Han before May 15, 2006
- Received from Changhyun Han (Donor) on May 15, 2006
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- 2669/3
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- gourd fruit, cotton fibre, paper, adhesive and paint
- Overall
- height 20.0 cm, width 19.0 cm, depth 4.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Korean
- Creator
- Changhyun Han (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Changhyun Han
- Received from
- Changhyun Han (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 2002 and 2003
- Ownership Date
- before May 15, 2006
- Acquisition Date
- on May 15, 2006
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 77
- Accession Number
- 2669/0003