Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2019.9.1 |
Object Name |
Mask |
Description |
Carved, smoothed, and sealed wooden mask of a bear's head, eyes and nostral holes, line carving for snout and mouth. Interior of mask is unfinished with a leather strap for hanging. Cherokee. Adam Welch is a Cherokee artist well-known for his carvings of bears, ducks, and birds, though he didn't turn to the practice until later in life. Here, he portrays the bear in the smooth, elegant, clean lines typical of his carvings. Masks are traditionally used in Cherokee culture for various ceremonial purposes, and often depicted animals, as well as the seven Cherokee clans. They are still used today in ceremonial dances. |
Title |
Bear Mask |
Date |
c. 1970 |
Role of Creator |
Artist |
Creator |
Welch, Adam |
Material |
buckeye wood | leather |
Dimensions |
H-12 W-7.75 D-4 inches |
Credit line |
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Breunig, Jr. |
Place of Origin |
US/NC/Cherokee |
Culture |
Cherokee |
Subjects |
Animals Animals in human situations Bears Ceremonial dancers Ceremonial objects Cherokee Cultural relations Masks Religion Spiritual life |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |