Wooden spirit mask, Iroquois, American.

This mask was used in the 'False Face Society' of the Iroquois Indians in North America. It would have been worn by the medicine man, and probably represents a harmful spirit that causes illnes. The hair is secured by rush ties, and the mask has eye holes to allow the wearer to observe the scene. Today some 49,000 Iroquois people live in the Great Lakes area, and they speak Iroquoian languages of the Hokan-Siouan family. Dimensions: 205mm x 128mm x 30mm.