Forehead Mask | Thunderbird

Item number 25.0/210 from the The Burke: University of Washington.

Public

Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

Data
Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by The Burke: University of Washington. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

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)