Chief's Mask Item Number: 3481/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Carved, three-dimensional, mask pendant. Male face has wide oval-shaped eyes, thick black brows, frowning open mouth, and a black painted beard and moustache. Area around eyes is sunken and painted blue. Nostrils and lips painted red. Rest of face decorated with design elements in blue and red. Male is wearing a red twisted ring on top of head. Leather cord nailed to back of carving. Artist inscription on back with date, title, name.
Mask pendants are often made for sale. But they are also often exchanged within Northwest Coast communities as gifts between families, and given as gifts at potlatches.
The donor thinks this pendant may have been given as a gift at a potlatch. It was purchased online from a seller on Vancouver Island.