The Amazon river mask is the conjectural name for an object from the Jungle Cruise.
Description[]
This was a tribal mask of unknown origin (aesthetically indicating it to be of some Pacific islander or African origin).
History[]
Background[]
This mask was constructed by the late 19th/early 20th century. The mask had some affiliation with a guild of colonial explorers and European aristocrats known as the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, namely their president Jason Chandler. By 1936/1938, the mask was in the possession of the Jungle Navigation Company, an international colonial business which was founded in 1911 by S.E.A. member Dr. Albert Falls. The mask was used to adorn the entrance of the company's Amazon River Base, advertising their tourism service, "The Jungle Cruise".
Development history[]
Creation & changes[]
The mask was created for Walt Disney World's Jungle Cruise. In 2021, the mask was removed in a refurbishment that removed instances of obvious racism from the attraction. The replacement for this was an oar with the Jungle Navigation Company logo upon it.
Racism[]
The mask was designed by white men as a stereotype of tribal artwork. The mask also featured a form of minstrel lips, a design element affiliated with negative caricatures of black people which originates from black-face. Despite being of tribal origin, the mask is also affiliated with European colonists such as the JNC and the SEA.
Appearances[]
Jungle Cruise[]
The mask used to adorn the sign for the Jungle Cruise in Walt Disney World.
Skipper Canteen[]
On a map of the Mekong made by Captain Brieux and Jason Chandler of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, the mask is part of the S.E.A. crest. The mask is accompanied by two crowned swans, representing the figureheads of the Plaza Swan Boats. In the building's library there is also a piece of pottery resembling the mask, resting on a bookshelf.