Headdress

Item number Nb3.1345 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Three joined cedar pieces: main one is shaped like a forehead. On front, slanting up towards centre are eyes: slightly l-shaped, orange-coloured ovoids, recessed, with black banded, elevated pupils. Black eyebrows above. Long recessed mouth surrounded by black form line. Large red teeth in variant u form. Coloured fields of facial features separated by white. Four nails in piece's front. Space between eyes spread with adhesive for attaching piece. Extending outwards from nose area, piece has three projections in red, black, and white; black one has bulbous end. Hinged on top at back of main piece are two articulated three-feather wings, both sides painted with red, black, and white u forms. Wings attached to main piece by leather pieces nailed on and rigged with fibre cord. White overall has yellowed. Leather is brittle.

History Of Use

Worn by a man or woman in a peaceful dance.

Iconographic Meaning

Natural element mask identified by protruding three-level 'nose' attachment (tongue-like projection flanked vertically by two others) and articulated wings. Nunalalahl means 'weather headpiece'.