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Bear/land otter mask
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 / Yakutat Borough
Additional Geographic Terms Mount St. Elias, Territory south of
Materials Wood, Opercula, Moose hide, Animal hide, Pigment
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)

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