Mask Item Number: A3782 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask with circular eye holes, upturned nostrils, pronounced cheeks, a downturned mouth, and an oval protrusion representing a crescent moon that sits above the head attached by metal wire. The disc is painted with black and the remaining natural wood surface forms a crescent shape with a humanoid figure painted in orange. The mask is painted with three black scallops at the top of the forehead, black eyebrows, dark green around the eyes, dark green on the nose with orange nostrils, orange, dark green and black designs on the cheeks, a black moustache, orange lips, and a black chin beard. Green cord is attached at the reverse.
History Of Use
Used in the dLa'walxa: tla'sala. During the dance the dancers argue with each other about the length of the year (Charlie George, 1966). The argument is carried on with small whistles held in mouths of dancers.
See Boas, 1895, pp. 621-632.
Narrative
One of pair of masks, the other has a full moon over it.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1952
- Collected in Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Jim Charlie before April 2, 1952
- Received from Jim Charlie (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on April 2, 1952
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Jim Charlie
- Received from
- Jim Charlie (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1952
- Ownership Date
- before April 2, 1952
- Acquisition Date
- on April 2, 1952
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 40
- Accession Number
- 1851/0007