Museum Expedition 1908, Museum Collection Fund

Figure of Maximon/San Simon seated on a chair and festooned with offerings. The painted wood body is dressed in a green fabric army uniform and red scarf and is bound to a wooden chair with straw seat with a multi-coloured belt that ties a metal sword around his waist. The head with metal hat (part b) is on a metal post that sticks into the neck and is removable. Other offerings include a metal necklace (c), two paper money bills (parts d, g), a colourful clay incense burner (e), and a glass bottle of liquid (part f).

Mat made of tightly woven strips of cedar, thin warps and wefts to the inside, with a border of wider strips on the edges. Inset from the border and running along its length is a decoration of two lines that cross at the corners, made of cedar strips dyed a darker brown. The mat has been broken or cut into four pieces, three of which are roughly similar in size, with the fourth (part b) being double in size. All pieces of the mat may not be extant; the broken edges are loose and unravelling.

Mat made of tightly woven strips of cedar, thin warps and wefts to the inside, with a border of wider strips on three edges. Inset from the border and running along its length and width are decorative bands of dark-dyed cedar strips that cross at the corners. The mat is damaged and torn into four parts, however two of these (part a) remain attached by black thread that was machine sewn along all the borders.

Cantonese opera tiger mask, to be worn with costume 2967/53. Mask has a bamboo under-structure, covered with coarse burlap and topped by yellow hemp. The mask covers the wearer’s face and head and has a long flap down the back to cover the neck. Several long strings connect the neck flap to the mask, as well as it being sewn on at the rear base of the mask. The face has an open mouth painted red, a small red nose, and holes for eyes with a large green wooden bead attached with wire. Small ears are sewn to the head behind the eyes. Stamped onto the fabric on the back of the head and the neck cover are a series of circles with radiating rays. The face is emphasized with eyebrows, whiskers, and stripes.

Mat made of tightly woven strips of cedar, thin warps and wefts to the inside, with a border of wider strips on three edges. Inset from the border and running along its length is a decoration of several darker lines that cross at the corners, made of cedar strips dyed a darker brown. The mat is damaged and parts have been machine sewn together with black thread.

Carved ladle-like spoon with a round bowl and short, tapered handle. Beige surface is porous.

Carved ladle with a pear-shaped bowl and short handle. The inner surfaces are light brown, and the outer surface is rough, dark brown bark.

Carved ladle with a round bowl and short, wide handle. The inner surfaces are light brown, and the outer surface is rough, dark brown bark.

Cylindrical cork container with plastic interior (a) and small threaded cap (b). There are three metal bands encircling the exterior of the container at the top, base and midpoint. There two metal loop fasteners opposite one another along the top metal band, possibly for attaching a strap or handle.