Mask ·  Canada - Alaska - Greenland, Inuit · ID: 3032470

Description

wood, dark brown patina, of narrow elongated form with deep eye holes, slightly dam., minor missing parts, cracks, abrasion;
wooden masks were widely spread especially in eastern Greenland, at which three mask types can be divided. The present one presumably a house mask because of the flat back side, representing a good spirit who should protect the home and its inhabitants. Aside there were dance masks, used for ritual ceremonies of various kinds and theatre masks which served for entertainment. There was a close attachment between the mask and its owner - many masks followed their owner into the grave.

Comparing literature

Holmstedt, Leif Birger, Magic Masks and Figures from Geenland, Copenhagen 2008, p. 80 f.