Transformation Mask Item Number: A7968 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Transformation mask or headdress made from cut out planks of wood formed in a triangular-like shape with flat sides, a thin adjoining nose piece and two rectangular shaped pieces of wood at the back. Detailed in blue, black, yellow, white, green and red stylized forms. The creature on the outside (lightning serpent?) has large black eyes outlined in yellow, rectangular shaped ears and white bared teeth. The mask opens to reveal a bird (thunderbird?) with a large white articulated beak, black eyes and a red and black head. There are numerous feathers attached to a thin metal strip; three strips line the top and back of the mask. Inside has a curved flat metal piece used to hold the mask onto a head.
Narrative
Collected by Wilhelm Helmer in Ahousat. The feathers appear to be a combination of eagle, raven, duck and crane.
Item History
- Made in Ahousat, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Wilhelm Helmer before April 1962
- Received from Wilhelm Helmer (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) during April 1962
What
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth: Ahousaht
- Previous Owner
- Wilhelm Helmer
- Received from
- Wilhelm Helmer (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ahousat, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before April 1962
- Acquisition Date
- during April 1962
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 10
- Accession Number
- 0076/0008