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Object Number
35-50-50/1360
Display Title
Shell-covered cloth hood
Descriptions
Object Description
Cowrie shell covered helmet - part of medicine man's costume.
The object is a hood with face covering consisting of textiles , cowrie shells, plant fibers and hide. It is shaped with a brown felt and buff colored cotton fabric that is decorated with rolls of cowrie shells sewn with a 'z' twisted plant fiber cordage. A single line of cowrie shells sewn on to felt hang along the temple areas. Two strands of hide are attached to the face covering. Holes have been cut for the eyes, nose and mouth.
Identifying numbers:
The are two Peabody Museum numbers present: cotton twill tape attached on the underside on the PR side and another directly applied on the object in black in on the verso PL of the mouth opening.
Inventory Description
Mask, felt and cotton cloth base, sewn cowrie shells with fiber, leather ties.
Classification
- Mask
Department
Ethnographic
Culture
- Nyamwezi
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
Africa
/
Tanzania
/
Tanganyika
Dimensions
Overall: 33 x 20 x 20 cm (13 x 7 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.)
Quantity
1
Label on object
35-50-50/1360
Provenance
Collector
Frederick G. Carnochan
(1927 - 1935)
Donor
Frederick G. Carnochan
(1927 - 1935)
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