Buffalo Headdress

Item number 3420/47 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Wooden bovine headdress (or helmet mask). Carved from wood and covered with cloth and glass beads. The entire mask is decorated with bright blue beads, with eyes of red and white beads, nostrils and lips in red. The muzzle tapers somewhat between the head and nose, with the mouth open, exposing large block teeth and a tongue. There are small rounded ears, and two long horns that extend toward the back. There are short lengths of cord knotted at the back.

History Of Use

Also sometimes referred to as a bush-cow or buffalo mask.

Iconographic Meaning

The buffalo symbolizes power, strength and ferocity and is evocative of royal patronage; blue trade beads in particular are also associated with royalty. Four or five buffalo masks, often worn by royal retainers as signs of loyalty, always accompany masqueraders at death and harvest ceremonies, and during state processions.