nangamł (Mask)

Represents grizzly bear.

Wooden, carved bear mask with a long snout painted black and red circular cutout nostrils. The jaw is hinged with a piece of leather nailed, on either side, to the lower mouth. The face is black with white edging; black outlined eyes on a green, ovoid shaped background; brow is black. There are two holes on the top where the ears used to be. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of a twine cord that attaches to the mouth and a rubber lining. Baleen framework at back of mask to facilitate wearing. The mask is painted black, green, red and white with Northwest Coast stylized designs.