mask (dance & live theatre)

Carved painted wooden mask of a man with black hair and moustache and a pointed nose. The area under the chin is also painted black.The face is generally pink, though there is evidence of an earlier red colour in places where the top layer is chipped. There are three black furrows painted in the forehead and three black lines on each cheek. The mouth is downturned. The eyes are almond shaped, but also painted to give the appearance of puffiness. There are holes to either side which suggest it was secured with a cord, though it would have been hard to breathe wearing this mask as the only apertures are for the eyes. It may have been connected with a ritual to expel illness.

Collection Information

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