Mask Item Number: A2503 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Black coloured face with a hooked nose that attaches to the top lip. Black, green and red ears protrude from the top of the face. Face has prominent brow ridges, cheeks, and lips. A cloth flap and jute sacking is attached to the back, as is a rope harness for suspension. A wire with hooks and eyes is also attached to the back.
History Of Use
Bak'was (or Bukwus) lived in the forest. He moved with a hopping motion. He made frequent visits to the beach to gather cockles. He attempted to entice humans to eat his ghost food and join him in his invisible house.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents the Wild Man of the Woods, Bak'was, or Bukwus.
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
- A2503
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, cotton fibre, hemp fibre ? and jute fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 29.0 cm, width 23.0 cm, depth 13.0 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
- Accession Number
- 0336/0152
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 41