Large wooden mask carved from conifer wood, representing a bear. The bear has pricked ears, forward-facing eyes and a protruding snout. It has a moveable lower jaw operated by a string. The eyes, nostrils and ears are pierced. The top of the head and base are covered with fur, possibly from a wild cat. This type of mask was used in several locations around Slovakia. It was usually worn with a costume, often a fur coat, including a chain or a belt with bells. People used to make masks by themselves with the tools they had at home. Inscribed on the inner surface 'ULUV Bratislava'. The bear was a symbol of physical strength and since bears sleep in winter, they were also a symbol of rebirth and new life. The presence of a bear at the festival was considered mainly as a protection from demons.
It would have been used during the celebrations of „Fašiangy“ (pre-Easter carnival) and also as a part of Christmas festivities.
