Native American Eagle Mask
source: Wikimedia Commons
author: FA2010
Description
A photograph shows a Native American mask with stylistic wings hanging on a wall. The painted mask features a carved eagle head on the top with feathers attached above it.
Date
Artifact: 1881
Photo: February 2009
Information
This 19th century Native American eagle mask would have been used for ceremonial purposes in Native American Nootka tribes. Medicine men and women would sometimes use masks such as this one to ward away evil spirits as part of medical treatment.
Related Articles
Native American Health and Medicine
Trafzer, C. E., & Weiner, D. (2001). Medicine ways: Disease, health, and survival among Native Americans. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press.
Cohen, K. (2006). Honoring the medicine: The essential guide to Native American healing. New York: Ballantine Books.