Headdress Item Number: Nb11.286 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden wolf headdress, or mask, with a long rounded snout, painted mainly in a black and white design, however the inner eyes, nostrils and lips are painted red and the area surrounding the eyes is painted green. Outside two leather straps are nailed underneath the lower portion of the mouth, acting as hinges. Inside two ropes are strung to adjust and open the lower portion of the mouth. There are two upright ears nailed to the top of the head. A black cloth is nailed to the back of the mask and the extra cloth is tucked inside.
History Of Use
Masks had many secular and sacred uses in relating myths, in health protection and curing. They were worn by important clan members in dance performances. The mask itself represented a supernatural being in animal form, specifics of this being depended upon family legend. The right to use the mask and accompanying legends were inherited. Such masks and legends were important property.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made by Herbert Johnson ? (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Charles E. Borden before March 5, 1979
- Received from Charles E. Borden (Donor) on March 5, 1979
What
- Name
- Headdress
- Identification Number
- Nb11.286
- Type of Item
- headdress
- Material
- paint, cotton fibre, leather skin, metal and cedar wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, nailed, sewn, tied and painted
- Overall
- height 29.5 cm, width 18.0 cm, depth 54.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Herbert Johnson ? (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Charles E. Borden
- Received from
- Charles E. Borden (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before March 5, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on March 5, 1979
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0515/0031