Frontlet, c. 1820, 3 3/8 x 7 1/4 x 7 13/16 in. ( x x cm), Wood, abalone, pigment, hessian, resin, 19th century, Frontlets are masterpieces of Northwest Coast art, and many of the finest were produced by the Tsimshian. The frontlet formed part of an imposing decorative headdress worn by both men and women as the crowning feature of a ceremonial outfit that indicated wealth and status. This one is a rare, round mask portrays a man transforming into a bird, perhaps an eagle, one of the four Tsimshian clans. Bright paint, now faded, is still visible on the mask's face

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Size: 4046px × 4373px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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