Tunghak Mask

NA11783

From: Alaska | Bering Sea

Curatorial Section: American

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Object Number NA11783
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Eskimo
Provenience Alaska | Bering Sea
Culture Area Arctic Culture Area
Date Made 19th century
Section American
Materials Wood | Feathers
Iconography birds, walrus, seal, tunghat spirit
Description

Shield-shaped, wooden plaque dance mask with central tunghat spirit face surrounded by five holes representing pathways to spirit worlds where birds, seals, and walruses are positioned. Hide thongs serve as hair; downturned mouth with two labrets inserted at lower lip. Feathers inserted around upper sides and edge connected with string.

Width 71 cm
Credit Line Gift of James M. Wilcox, 1927

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