Dzunuk'wa Mask

Item number Nb3.1407 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Dzunuk’wa mask with black hair inserted into drilled holes along upper rim and at brow ridge and a dark grey-black face. The mask has red-rimmed eye holes, a small flattish nose, open pursed red lips, and four red oval depressions, one on each temple and on each cheek. On the reverse, a cord is looped and knotted through two drilled holes in the sides at eye level. Three holes for hair inserts are visible on the reverse, two near the top, and one on the side below the hole for the cord. Signed "Beau Dick 1983" on the interior.

Cultural Context

contemporary art

Iconographic Meaning

The Chief's Mask is characterized not by the female Dzunuk'wa's foolish face with half closed eyes, but a strong and noble face with eyes partially opened. The Chief's masks usually include a mustache, eyebrows and locks of human hair, and are very carefully carved, representing family title and hereditary nobility.