Mask Item Number: A6243 a-f from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask (a) with a protruding rim around the sides and top, furrowed brows, raised eyes and cheeks, a hooked nose with flared nostrils, crescent-shaped protrusions to the sides of the mouth, and a protruding chin. A fringe of long hemp fibre is attached at the top. The mask is painted with alternating black and white scallop shapes around the rim, a white forehead with black eyebrows, green around the eyes and on the nose, red nostrils and lips, a black and white design on the cheeks, and on the protruding crescent shapes beside the mouth, green around the mouth, and brown on the chin as well as around the face. The mask has five mouthpiece attachments: b) wide mouth with open red lips exposing two rows of natural wood teeth; c) wide, open, and protruding mouth with red lips and a black base; d) an orange beak with red nostrils and edges; e) a black muzzle with red nostrils and lips, and natural wood teeth; f) a black beak with red nostrils and edges. Each mouthpiece has a protruding piece at the reverse that fits into the slot of the mask's mouth.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents echo: sa'pola, echoing back and forth (C. George, 1966). Mouths represent: a, b) human, c) human, d) eagle, e) bear, f) raven (J. Seaweed, 1966).
Narrative
Made for Charlie George's step-mother at the time she potlatched for his father (C. George, 1966).
Item History
- Made by Charlie George Sr. ? (Maker) or George Walkus ? (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada before 1953
- Collected in Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada and Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Mary George before October 16, 1953
- Received from Mary George (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on October 16, 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Charlie George Sr. ? (Maker) or George Walkus ? (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Mary George
- Received from
- Mary George (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada and Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Ownership Date
- before October 16, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on October 16, 1953
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 41
- Accession Number
- 1940/0001 a-f