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Plastic Halloween mask in the shape of a caricature of Charles de Gaulle
Plastic Halloween mask in the shape of a caricature of Charles de Gaulle

Plastic Halloween mask in the shape of a caricature of Charles de Gaulle

Object number2002.033.0004
Datecirca 1960
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectMask
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumPlastic; Metal; Fibers, Man-made
Dimensions10 1/4 × 8 9/16 × 6 1/2 in. (26 × 21.7 × 16.5 cm)
Collections
DescriptionPlastic Halloween mask in the form of a caricature of Charles de Gaulle. This would have been a costume representing one of the nation's allies, the President of France (1959-1969). The mask has holes cut in it for eyes and nostrils, as well as a small slit for the mouth. Two small metal grommets, one just above each ear, are connected with a piece of elastic strung through for wearing. "MADE IN FRANCE" is stamped in relief on the reverse side of the mask.
Curatorial Commentary

This early 1960s Halloween mask was apparently part of a world leaders series that also included British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban president Fidel Castro and U.S. president John F. Kennedy. The Museum has examples of all of these except for President Kennedy, though we have other Kennedy masks that are not part of this series.

Although we know very little about these masks, three examples - Kennedy, Castro and Khrushchev - make brief appearances in the 1962 Universal Pictures film, Forty Pounds of Trouble, starring Tony Curtis. In the film, these masks were ostensibly purchased at Disneyland, though in reality the Anaheim theme park never sold political masks. -- Stephen Fagin, Curator