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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
Mask
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, photography credit Joel Benjamin
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Mask

Artifact IDMO 63.490
Object Type Sculpture
Date before 1963
Date Presented7/15/63
Maker
Gifter
Place of GiftWashington, D.C., United States
Place MadeTanganyika, Africa
Medium Wood
DimensionsOverall H 21 1/2 in x W 7 1/4 in x D 2 3/4 in (54.6 cm x 18.4 cm x 7 cm )
Physical DescriptionTribal mask hand carved from ebony wood. This mask has an elongated face with a slender nose. The eyes and mouth carved out. The mouth shows teeth and tongue. The face is highly polished while the hair in contrast is carved with grooved lines to create texture.
Historical NoteThis mask was presented to President Kennedy by the president of the Republic of Tanganyika, Julius K. Nyerere, during his state visit to the White House on July 15, 1963. Nyerere had been a key figure in his country's successful efforts to achieve independence from British rule in 1960.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view