Decorative Mask

ClassificationsSculpture

Date20th Century

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumWood

Dimensions7 × 3 5/8 × 2 1/4 in. (17.8 × 9.2 × 5.7 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2020.14.5

DescriptionThis is a carved wooden mask from China. Though there is a long history of carved wooden masks both in China and neighboring countries, examples which come to mind are the carved wooden masks of Tibet or of the Yao culture. Little is known about the distorted visages of these masks save that they were not worn in the traditional way. The largest of them would not cover an adult face and several do not have apertures that would allow the wearer to see. This indicates that they were likely made to be used as decoration.

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