Description
Tubular eyes and the fringe of carved leopard canine teeth identify this mask as male. Such masks appeared only during very important moments. The dancer wore a leopard skin over his head and shoulders, held an elephant's tusk in his hand, and had his face painted white. The masks function as peacemakers; they led soldiers into battle, and administered justice.
Provenance
Harry Franklin, Los Angeles; Katherine White Reswick (?–1971); The Cleveland Museum of Art by gift (1971–)
Accession Number
1971.294
Medium
Wood, boar tusks, pelt, cloth, human hair, probably aluminum, reeds, iron alloy, copper alloy, plant fiber, and paint
Dimensions
Overall: 38.1 cm (15 in.)
Classification
Mask
Credit Line
Gift of Katherine C. White
