Mask

Date1800-1850

MediumWood, pigment

DimensionsObject/Work: 500 x 220 x 280 mm

ClassificationsReligious/Ritual Equipment

Terms

Object numberC04455

DescriptionMask of a face surmounted with snakes. The face is heart shaped with prominent features in red and blue, and wears a floral earring. One large cobra is surmounted on top with three smaller nearer the face. The cobras' bodies are decorated with red and yellow stripes and their hoods with red, yellow, blue and green scale decoration. The largest cobra has raised eyes surmounted on its head and is baring its jagged teeth. It is thought to represent an "Indian" snake charmer, according to the original label from the 1850s.

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