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SAM'S collection
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Kifwebe Mask
Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Kifwebe Mask

Label TextAggressive redefinition of the face into bold cubistic features is a trademark of masks that act as agents for the ruling elite. Incised striations completely cover the masks in black and white stripes that alert audiences to a time for impending danger. Such masqueraders are said to “detect that which is hidden,” and enact a form of law enforcement.
Object number2006.97
Photo CreditPhoto: Elizabeth Mann
Credit LineGift of Dr. Oliver E. and Pamela F. Cobb, in honor of the 75th Anniversary of the Seattle Art Museum
Dimensions37 (with raffia) x 8 x 10in. (94 x 20.3 x 25.4cm)
MediumWood, raffia, cord
S'eik daakeit (pipe)
ca. 1820
Object number: 91.1.104
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
First Nations, Nuxalk
ca. 1880
Object number: 91.1.95
'Yaay s'ix' (carved dish)
ca. 1840
Object number: 91.1.117
Photo: Paul Macapia
Congolese
Object number: 81.17.869
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
Persian
12th to early 13th century
Object number: 38.139
Cedar bark neck rings
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
late 19th to early 20th century
Object number: 91.1.14
Kihona (stool)
Congolese
Object number: 74.63
Gela Mask (The Ancient One)
Wee
Object number: 81.17.193
Object number: 2001.133
Object number: 2001.155
Object number: 2001.191
Object number: 2001.197