72 – Feather Mask
- Physical description:
- Mask made of feathers - mostly golden-brown and black, with a peacock feather on the forehead.
- Museum classification:
- Modern Witchcraft
- Size:
- 200 x 700 x 20 mm
- Information:
The peacock feather in the centre may represent the “third eye” which gives the witch second sight.
“In witchcraft one constantly finds reports of witches turning into or taking on animal forms. Hence the Devil's masks, Padstow hobby horse, and countless other examples...This West Country witch's face mask formed from chicken feathers and surmounted with a peacock's feather is brimful of magical symbolism. Presented to the Witchcraft Research Centre [the Museum] by a Cornish witch living and working in the Praze-An-Beeble area of Cornwall.” Cecil Williamson
- Resource:
- Object
- Materials:
- Feathers, fabric
- Copyright ownership:
- Copyright to The Museum of Witchcraft Ltd.
The peacock feather in the centre may represent the “third eye” which gives the witch second sight.
“In witchcraft one constantly finds reports of witches turning into or taking on animal forms. Hence the Devil's masks, Padstow hobby horse, and countless other examples...This West Country witch's face mask formed from chicken feathers and surmounted with a peacock's feather is brimful of magical symbolism. Presented to the Witchcraft Research Centre [the Museum] by a Cornish witch living and working in the Praze-An-Beeble area of Cornwall.” Cecil Williamson