Headdress Item Number: 2960/23 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wooden two-piece headdress or helmet mask. The body of the headdress is in the shape of a crocodile head, with big round eyes at front, ears the shape of an inverted V, and a long thick snout full of red teeth, some with rope tied around the base. A dog(?) decorated with white, blue, and red spots is held in the teeth. At the back of the crocodile’s head is a bird attached to the mask at head and feet. It too is decorated with dots, as well as stripes and blocks of colour. On top of the mask is a standing human figure that fits into a hole. The figure is detachable (part b) and has an elaborate headdress, painted facial markings and neck rings. The figure has blue arms, breasts, and buttocks, and red hands and feet. A piece of rope is tied around the right wrist.