Forehead Mask | Thunderbird Item Number: 25.0/210 from the The Burke: University of Washington
Exhibit Label
Throughout the masking area of the Northwest Coast, the dramatic effect of opening jaws and other moving parts on masks was recognized. Of all the tribes using masks, however, the Kwakwaka'wakw carried articulation to its highest development. This small thunderbird forehead mask uses two variations on the theme. The lower mandible is hinged to allow it to open and close, and the crest of wooden feathers between the ears can be spread like a fan or dropped back to lie flat on the head. Strings control movement of these parts. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)
Automatically Generated From Material
The paint is red, white, and black.
Item History
- Received from Mrs. Anne Gerber
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Received from
- Mrs. Anne Gerber
Where
- Holding Institution
- The Burke: University of Washington
Other
- Credit
- Sidney Gerber Collection, Gift of Anne Gerber
- Motif
- Thunderbird
- Collection
- Burke Museum Ethnology Collection