The King and I Mask

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
View manifest View in Mirador Viewer
Description:

This exquisite mask, based on 19th-century Thai ceremonial headgear, was created by Australian designer Roger Kirk for the 1996 Broadway revival of the musical play, The King and I. It was worn by dancer Tito Abeleda as part of his costume for the show's second act ballet based on Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The King and I, created in 1951 by composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist-librettist Oscar Hammerstein, is one of the American musical theater's most enduring works.

Date Made: 1996

Wearer/User: Abeleda, TitoDesigner: Kirk, Roger

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: Musical Theater

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Entertainment, Popular Entertainment

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Discover Financial Services Card, through Benedicta Lawrence

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1998.0048.23Catalog Number: 1998.0048.23Accession Number: 1998.0048

Object Name: mask

Physical Description: paper (overall material)paint (overall material)Measurements: overall: 32 cm x 28 cm; 12 5/8 in x 11 in

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746ab-830e-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1195008

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.