Title

Lincoln Bear mascot costume

Creation Date

1979 – 1980

Maker's Mark

N.W. COSTUME HOUSE - MINNEAPOLIS, M.N.

Description

Lincoln High School cheerleading bear mascot costume worn circa 1980.  The bear costume body is made from white faux fleece.  It is one-piece jumpsuit style with a back neckline zipper.  Shoe flaps are secured to the top of the wearer's shoes with elastic straps.  Formerly white, but now light gray, the paper-mache' head the bear head exterior is covered with gray faux fur. It has painted blue eyes, black nose and red lips. The pupils are cut out so the person inside the costume can see. The eyes have black eyelashes attached to the upper lid. Inside is a cap that would allow the user to wear the mascot head comfortably. Traditionally, the bear never spoke and was always accompanied by another cheerleader for safety.  The bear appeared at school sports events and pep fests where cheerleaders would be performing.  From the 1970s onward there were up to three students selected by cheerleaders to be the bear each year, and there was more than one bear costume.  The ears on this costume head are fixed, but earlier costumes had ears that were attached at the base and were more floppy when the bear moved.