atłaamł (Mask)
About this object
History of use
Forest Spirit mask, from the atłaamł series.
Narrative
Previously owned by a female medical doctor, who was a friend of Norman Socha.
Physical description
Mask with top knot of folded cedar bark wrapped with a strip of red plastic near the base. The mask is painted grey and has two indented diagonal curved shapes near the top of the forehead. Curvilinear eyebrow ridges extend beyond the side edges, and beaten copper is nailed to the surface of each. The eyes have circular hollow protruding pupils made of abalone shell, and the hooked beak-like nose has wide rounded nostrils. The open red mouth has pointed recurved lips. The mask also has a pointed chin and a series of black curved lines that accent the cheeks from chin to temple. Signed by artist on reverse.
Categories
Materials
Wood Paint Copper metal Abalone shell Metal Cedar bark Plastic