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Woman's Portrait Mask

19th century
Not on view
Haida artists have long produced relatively naturalistic masks that may be portraits of individuals. In other cases, subjects are stylized representations of mythic ancestors. The abstract forms painted and incised on the forehead, cheeks, and around the mouth of this example represent tattoos or facial paint that identify this woman according to her family affiliations. The lower lip is distended and incised to indicate that it is penetrated by a large labret. Such lip ornaments were once the prerogative of older Haida woman of high rank.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Woman's Portrait Mask
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Canada, (Haida Gwaii) Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia
  • Culture: Haida
  • Medium: Wood, paint
  • Dimensions: H.10 x W. 8 x D. 4 1/2 in. (25.4 x 20.3 x 11.4 cm)
  • Classification: Wood-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial Collection, Purchase, Nelson A. Rockefeller Gift, 1967
  • Object Number: 1978.412.204
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing

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