Mask Item Number: 3522/39 a-p from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Wooden humanoid mask (part a) with detachable canine style teeth (parts b-p). Face has a semi-circular brow overtop protruding circular eyes and a large nose. The eye rims are covered in white pigment; red pigment across interior of mouth. Teeth extending from upper lip (parts b-i) are mostly covered in red pigment; teeth extending from lower lip (parts j-p) are mostly undecorated. Several teeth are actual animal teeth, rest are wood. Grey-brown and black fur line all edges of mouth, imitating a moustache and beard. Braided cords nailed around the chin, imitating a beard. Bristles of plant fibre, fur and feathers are attached to the forehead ridge, imitating hair. There is an oval-shaped opening above the nose bridge; mask has holes for eyes and mouth. All sides are rounded; interior is hollow. Holes are drilled along all edges, for attachments. Looped cords on either side of mask.

History Of Use

Bugle (bu gle) type mask, used to frighten people.

Narrative

The donor taught in a rural school in Tobli, eastern Liberia, from 1965 to 1967.