Mask Item Number: A2496 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Face with wide protruding mouth, large hooked nose, bulging eyes, and markedly protruding ears. Animal fur attached at chin, eyebrows, and top of head where three loops of cedar root (?) are also attached. Rectangular piece of black fur sewn to black cloth hangs from back; another light brown cloth nailed to back, as are green and light brown cords.
History Of Use
These characters, messengers for the Hamatsa, were non-human creatures, foolish, rough, dirty and unkempt. They kept order by treating people roughly.
Iconographic Meaning
The exaggerated features suggest a fool or noohlmahl mask, although it is also possible it might be identified as Bak'was.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before April 8, 1976
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) on April 8, 1976
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- A2496
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, paint, cedar root ?, skin and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 33.0 cm, width 32.0 cm, depth 20.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before April 8, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on April 8, 1976
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0336/0016