Mask Item Number: A3627 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Raven headdress, or mask, with a long beak and hanging cedar strips. The beak is hinged with cedar on either side, to the lower mouth. The beak and nostrils are painted black with red edging and white detailing and tear shaped painted nostrils. The eye is outlined in black on a green, ovoid-like background; brow is black. The top of the head is decorated with braided cedar bark. Long strips of cedar run down the back; a rectangular, cedar woven, plaited pattern is nailed to each cheek. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of attached twine cords. The mask is painted black, green, red and white.
History Of Use
Raven, Gwa'wina, for woman dancer (M. Martin, 1951). Worn by female attendant, hiligaxste' in taming Hamats!a.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Raven at the north end of the world, Gwaxgwaxwalanuxsiwe'.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1951
- Collected in Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Jonathan Hunt before November 1951
- Received from Jonathan Hunt (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) during November 1951
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Jonathan Hunt
- Received from
- Jonathan Hunt (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1951
- Ownership Date
- before November 1951
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1951
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 35
- Accession Number
- 1913/0020