Mask of John F. Kennedy
Artifact IDMO 63.527
Object Type
Mask
Date
1950-1965
Medium
Wood, paint, elastic
DimensionsOverall H 11 1/2 in x W 7 1/2 in (29.2 cm x 19.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionMask of the grinning face of John F. Kennedy carved from wood and painted. Elastic straps attach the mask to the wearer's head.
Historical NoteJosef "Joschi" Schranz (1899-1986) learned woodcarving while a prisoner at Civilian Internment Camp No. 6--the former Stalag VII A POW camp--in Murnau, Bavaria, Germany after World War II, where U.S. troops held up to 12,000 Germans accused of having supported the Nazi dictatorship (future NASA rocket scientist Wernher von Braun was also interned there). He carved spoons using a razor blade and scrap wood. At various times a baker, construction worker, hotel manager and restaurant operator, he continued carving and especially enjoyed creating masks of public figures, using newspaper and magazine photos as references.
Schranz was proudest of his portrait mask of John F. Kennedy. Carved from Swiss stone pine, it was presented to Kennedy on behalf of the carver by members of the U.S. Army stationed in Murnau when the President visited Germany in June 1963. Schranz received a thank you letter from the White House.
Additional DetailsSchranz was proudest of his portrait mask of John F. Kennedy. Carved from Swiss stone pine, it was presented to Kennedy on behalf of the carver by members of the U.S. Army stationed in Murnau when the President visited Germany in June 1963. Schranz received a thank you letter from the White House.
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from the maker to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President in 1962 and held by the General Service Administration until it was 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 Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyUse Restriction NoteCopyright and other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view