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Cultural Context

ceremonial; secular

Description

Wolf mask which projects up and out from the plane of a dancer's forehead. The black and white head has a snout and partly laid back ears on top of the head. Ears have a black exterior; interior, rimmed in white, is red and green with a white split-u. Top of head, brows and snout are black with white lines and arcs on mouth, cheeks, top of snout and edges of head. Outer white orb sweeps from back bottom of mask up to top of snout. Eye is black eyelid line with an inner line in red, a white eyeball and the pupil is a black dot within the circle of the iris. Teeth are white rectangles lined in red; canines are pointed. Red tongue is a flat disk projecting from mouth, resting against the snout. The lips are red; red nostrils have two white drilled holes. One green ovoid behind each eye and three green split-u's on either cheek. Four, rectangular pieces of abalone in brow and five pieces above the mouth are set with nails. Long, white, cotton shoelaces are tied to the back, corner of the mask.

Iconographic Meaning

The mask represents a wolf. The original owner of the mask belonged to the Tsawatainuk or Kingcome people who are descended from supernatural wolves (collector's notes).

History Of Use

Wolf masks were used in wolf dances during the winter ceremonial season. It is documented that this mask was used in Alert Bay potlatches over the past 15 years (prior to 1981). This mask was also used on secular occasions such as parades, sports days, May 24th celebrations, etc.

Narrative

This mask was commissioned by Mary Dawson's parents, probably when she reached puberty. It was part of her wedding dowry. A button blanket was also made to be worn with the mask (now in the RBCM collection). The msk was later owned by Mrs. Jimmy Dick and used in Alert Bay potlatches. When this mask was in Mr. Roloff's possession, he hired conservator Chris Russell to remove a coat of paint. The mask was borrowed back in 1983 for use in the Cranmer family potlatch in Alert Bay.