Mask Item Number: 2669/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Mask of Nojang (the old monk) character. Black coloured oval shaped face with gold dotted designs overall. Protruding green and gold eyebrows, large black nose and cheek bones, white eyes outlined with black dots, and a red curly mouth. 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.

Narrative

This set of masks were made in Canada after Mr. Han immigrated, but his family brought him the traditional materials to make the masks from Korea.

Specific Techniques

First the gourd masks were carved, then three layers of paper mache were applied, then they were painted.

Iconographic Meaning

Nojang is a depraved old monk who plays around with the young woman Somu. He shows an offense against the Buddhist commandments by his gestures and dances.