item details
NameDeath mask plaster cast
ProductionA Hamilton; producer; 1866; Nelson
Classificationdeath masks, casts, heads
Materialsplaster
Registration NumberGH003159/1
Credit lineAcquisition details/history unknown. Found in collection, date unknown
Overview
One of three death mask plaster casts of the heads of the three 'Maungatapu Murderers' hanged in Nelson, 5 October 1866. This one depicts Thomas Kelly (1825-1866, England/New Zealand).
The mask was taken by phrenologist A.S. Hamilton who was allowed to study the men in prison before they were hung, and to attend the executions.