“Mammen mask” canvas

mammen mask

tempera on canvas 7.9×7.9 inc

Inspired by the ancient Mammen-style masks on the Cammin casket, one of the most beautiful and rich examples of Viking art.
The original casket was most probably a gift from the Danish king Eric II the Memorable to King of Norway, Sigurd the Crusader, who in turn gave it to the Citadel Church in Kungahälla, as recounts Icelandic historian, Snorri Sturluson.
In 1135 Racibor I of Pomerania raided and sacked Kungahälla. The duke probably took the casket as war booty and presented it to the church in Kamień Pomorski, later known as Cammin.