Mask Item Number: 2009.9.22 from the Portland Art Museum
Description
Face masks are brought out on ceremonial occasions in the display of inherited crests and privileges and as a means by which the presence of supernatural beings and their powers are made tangible. Eyeholes allow the wearer to see during the dance or dramatization of a story or event related to the creature depicted. The pierced openings along the top of this mask most likely were filled with feathers, echoing the painted U-shapes and hatch marks referencing plumage.
- Anna Strankman
Collection History Provenance
The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.
Item History
- Made by Heiltsuk artist in Northwest Coast, Canada ? or Northwest Coast, USA ? during 1885
What
Who
- Culture
- Heiltsuk
- Creator
- Heiltsuk artist
Where
- Holding Institution
- Portland Art Museum
- Made in
- Northwest Coast, Canada ? or Northwest Coast, USA ?
When
- Creation Date
- during 1885
Other
- Categories
- Northwest Coast; Ceremonial and Ritual Objects