E1016: Mask

Ethnographic

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Identifier:

E1016

Classification Category:

8:Communication Artifacts ➞ Ceremonial Artifact

Marks/Labels:

"Angmagssalik, Greenland, 1936"

Materials:

botanical ➔ wood
animal ➔ hide/skin ➔ leather

Dimensions:

32.5 cm L
13.25 cm W
8.5 cm H

Source Locality:

Greenland

Acquisition Date:

2003

Description:

This mask originates from a town in Greenland formerly known as Ammassalik and Angmagssalik, now known as Tasiilaq. This area, and all of Eastern Greenland, is recognizable by its mask-making culture. These masks are typically made from driftwood recovered by the Inuit tribes, like the Tunumiit, and are created for ceremonial use.

The large nostrils on this mask may be in reference to the legend of Kaassassuk, the Inuit orphan who was often lifted by his nostrils as punishment. The open mouth and wide cheeks may represent Qaqilangerseq, a mythical dancer who held a bone in his mouth, enlarging his cheeks.

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