Raven Mask | Humsumhl

Item number 25.0/207 from the The Burke: University of Washington.

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Exhibit Label

Throughout the Northwest Coast, the raven takes a prominent place in mythology and art. It is important to note, however, that these representations are not all of the same mythical being. This mask depicts Gwagwakhwalanooksiwey, the man-eating raven who lives with the cannibal spirit in his great house in the mountains or at the north end of the world. An unusual feature distinguishes this particular raven mask. Typically, hamatsa masks of the early twentieth century are painted black with white eyesockets and red lips and nostrils. The use of orange paint and green paint around the eyes is known but rather uncommon. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)