Red deer antler mask from the Mesolithic site of Star Carr (NorthYorkshire, c. 11,000 years ago).Thi
Red deer antler mask from the Mesolithic site of Star Carr (NorthYorkshire, c. 11,000 years ago).This mask was probably used by a shaman, and was made from the skullof a large stag. The skin was deliberately removed from the skull,as shown by lines of cut-marks made by flint tools. The bonesforming the top of the nose were broken off, and the edges of theremaining skull part were trimmed. The rim of the brain case wassmoothed, and interior projections were removed and scraped smooth. The antlers of this mask were broken off, and the stumps thinned downand trimmed around the base. Two holes in the back of the skull (onethrough each parietal bone) were made by cutting and scraping awaybone on both sides. These holes were probably used to tie the maskonto the shaman’s head.This mask is 15cm high and 18cm long. -- source link
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