atłaamł (Mask)

About this object

History of use

Forest Spirit mask, from the atłaamł 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.