Horse Mask
Maker: Plains Indian
Materials: Sinew, canvas, wool, beads, bells
Age: C. 1880
Description: This mask is made primarily of beadwork backed by canvas and lined with wool. Leather straps to hold the mask to the horse's face. There are four holes in the square mask, two each for the eyes and ears. The beads that make up the designs are green, yellow, white, and pink, forming large rectangular spaces, with circles of blue beads around the ear holes and green around the eyes. Between the ears and under the eyes are green cloth ribbons with bells atop them, designed to make noise as the horse moved. The beads, which are of non-uniform size, are held together with sinew thread. It comes on a heavy, steel mounted tack display.
Provenance: Connecticut Estate
Size: 19.5x16"
Weight: 1.2lbs
Condition: There is a bit of wear along the edges of the red cloth, with threadbare patches exposing the tan canvas backing. Some toning and dirt in the lower areas. The green ribbons are toned and have minor losses.
History: From the moment of their inception into the New World, Plains tribe Native Americans took to horses and they quickly became an integral part of their culture. These masks were created as adornments for the creatures that had become a major part of their livelihood.