Death Masks Collection, circa 1941-1972

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Summary

Creator:
Duke University. Medical Center. and Duke University. Medical Center.
Abstract:
A death mask is a cast made of a person's head after they have died. This collection contains death masks of Wilber C. Davison, Frederic Moir Hanes, William A. Perlzweig, Francis H. Swett, and Robert R. Jones Jr. Materials range in date from circa 1941 to 1972.
Extent:
2.75 Linear Feet (6 artifact boxes)
Language:
English
Collection ID:
AR.0024

Background

Scope and content:

Contains death masks for Wilburt C. Davison (1892-1972) first dean of the Duke University School of Medicine, Frederic M. Hanes (1883-1946) second chair of the Department of Medicine, William A. Perlzweig (1891-1949) first chair of the Department of Biochemistry, Francis H. Swett (1893-1943) first chair of the Department of Anatomy, and Robert R. Jones Jr. (1902-1941) original member of the Department of Surgery who was murdered by a patient. One of the Hanes masks might be a life mask instead of a death mask. Some of the masks have hair stuck in the plaster. Materials range in date from circa 1941 to 1972.

Biographical / historical:

A death mask is a cast made of a person's head after they have died. They have been made for a variety of reasons throughout human history, including the later creation of portraits or busts. Life masks are similar to death masks, but made from the heads of living subjects.

Acquisition information:
Accession A1965.0145. With the exception of the Davison mask, all masks were acquired by Duke University Archives, circa 1960. The Davison mask was added October 30, 1973 and was transferred to the Medical Center Archives in 1978.
Processing information:

Processed by Archives staff: date unknown

Arrangement:
Organized into the following series: Collection, circa 1941-1972.
Fileplan:

SC 00

Subjects

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Personal Name(s):
Davison, Wilburt Cornell
Hanes, Frederic M. (Frederic Moir), 1883-1946.
Perlzweig, William Alexander
Jones, Robert Randolph
Swett, Francis Huntington
Corporate Name(s):
Duke University -- Faculty.
Topical Term(s):
Masks (Sculpture)

Contents

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Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Death Masks Collection, Duke University Medical Center Archives.