Skip to main content
Object Number
69-30-10/1609
Display Title
Bear/land otter mask
Descriptions
Object Description
Wooden Bear/land otter mask. (See story about land otter man in authorities.)The large face, although somewhat humanoid in form, has the ears, snout and mouth of an animal like a bear. Most notable are the three subsidiary land otters, one emerging from each cheek and from the forehead. Figures emerging from cheeks may be bears, not land otters. These figures extend three-dimensionally from the mask, and the one on the forehead even extends around the back of the mask, with its tail pointing downward. The deep blue-green paint with details of vermilion and black are typically Tlingit as are the teeth of opercula. Animals are land otters, creatures connected with black magic; mask used by medicine man in bad magical rites. Mid 19th century. The x-ray motif relates to otters'[see Object Description text entry for extended description]
Inventory Description
Carved animal mask, painted, teeth inlay, 3 small animals on face, leather ties.
Classification
- Mask
Department
Ethnographic
Date
19th century
Culture
- Tlingit
- Historic Period
Geography/Provenience/Site Name
North America
/
United States
/
Alaska
Additional Geographic Terms
Mount St. Elias, Territory south of
Dimensions
Overall: 27.8 x 17.9 x 12 cm (10 15/16 x 7 1/16 x 4 3/4 in.)
Quantity
1
Label on object
69-30-10/1609
Credit Line
Museum Purchase, 1869
Provenance
Collector
Capt. Edward Gustavus Fast
(10/01/1867-07/01/1868)
Dealer
Capt. Edward Gustavus Fast
(1869)
Important Note about Historical Language
Collections records may contain language, reflecting past collecting practices and methods of analysis, that is no longer acceptable. The Peabody Museum is committed to addressing the problem of offensive and discriminatory language present in its database. Our museum staff are continually updating these records, adding to and improving content. We welcome your feedback and any questions or concerns you may want to share. Please email us with your comments.
| PrimaryMedia | Object Number | Title | Classification | Geography/Provenience | SHARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69-30-10/1980 | Shaman necklace of teeth |
Necklace
|
Alaska
| |
| 59-14-10/38858 | Stone carving - man with three otters |
Carving
|
Povungnituk
| |
| 05-7-10/65468.2 | Quiver and 3 copper-pointed arrows for sea otter hunting. |
Quiver
|
British Columbia
| |
| 05-7-10/65468.1 | Bow for sea otter hunting. |
Bow
|
British Columbia
| |
| 88-51-10/50021 | Ivory toggle |
Figurine
|
Alaska
| |
| 01-13-10/56756 | Spears feathered with eagle feathers - used for sea otters |
Harpoon
|
Kodiak Island Borough
| |
| 20-29-50/B2285 | Dice, sign of river otters |
Game
Raw Material |
Cameroon
| |
| 69-30-10/1601 | Wooden Mask |
Mask
Raw Material |
Alaska
| |
| 15-14-10/86043 | Carved wooden animal figure |
Sculpture
|
Alaska
| |
| 69-30-10/1663 | Wooden canoe prow depicting land otter |
Raw Material
Carving |
Alaska
| |
| 69-30-10/1614 | Wooden effigy figure |
Figurine
Raw Material |
Alaska
| |
| 08-7-10/72883 | Skin armor |
Armor
|
North America
|