Man Turning into a Land Otter / Land Otter Man Mask

NA5777

From: Alaska | Klukwan (uncertain)

Curatorial Section: American

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Object Title Man Turning into a Land Otter / Land Otter Man Mask
Object Number NA5777
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Tlingit
Provenience Alaska | Klukwan (uncertain)
Culture Area Northwest Coast Culture Area
Locus Klukwan Gaanax.teidi Clan | Eye (Looking) House
Section American
Materials Wood | Pigment | Bear Fur | Glass | Bone | Brass | Copper | Hide
Description

Carved and painted wooden mask called "Man Turning into a Land Otter" (Land Otter Man Mask). The face is painted green, white, black, and red. Two white lines are painted across the mouth, each outlined in black. White triangles with concave sides are painted above the black eyebrows and a single white line is painted from the forehead to the tip of the nose, as well as a horizontal line below the right eye. The eyes are large, brass discs and the red-lipped mouth has a band of copper above painted teeth. Bear fur is attached to form a mustache and beard. Bear fur is also attached at the top of the mask in a double-humped design with additional fur to cover the top of the wearer's head. Animal hide fringe is attached below the mask with each fringe inserted through a polished, ivory bead.

Width 24.3 cm
Credit Line Wanamaker Expedtion to the Northwest Coast, Louis Shotridge, 1917

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