2005.1.78

Five "[m]oon-faced monks and lion-teasers prepare for their contribution to Chinatown parade night festivities." (Quote from newspaper caption on back of photo.) Row of five people standing very close to one another, each wearing a mask that covers their entire head. All are dressed in black or very dark coats of shiny fabric that are held together in front by a tie belt of the same fabric and color. From left to right: (1) This mask is of a happy person. It is in a dark color and simulates a ruddy complexion. The wide mouth is open, white teeth showing, painted lips large, round nose, dark eyebrows. The ear is "sculpted" on the mask. He holds a light colored palm fan in his left hand above the heard of the person next to him. (2) This mask appears to be feminine. The face is very white with cupid lips painted dark and two large (probably) red circles on each cheek to simulate rouge. The eyes are small and slanted and have thin dark eyebrows over them. The forehead is prominent and dark hair appears to be painted on the top of the mask. (3) This person is holding a light colored palm fan in the right hand and the face is partially hidden behind it. The mask is white and feminine with painted eyes with "eyeliner" above each eye, a thin dark eyebrow above each eye and dark hair painted on top and down the sides of it. (4) This, too, is a feminine mask of white face, a circle of color on each cheek, cupid mouth, nose, eyes with liner and dark eyebrows and hair. (5) The last mask is of an even dark color. The mouth is open, white teeth showing, dark lips, large round and flat nose, two eyes outlined in a dark color, dark eyebrows and hair. The visible ear is very large, protrudes from the mask and has a dark line in them that follows th contour of the ear.

From white file folder Chinese Americans

Used: Oakland Tribune