Mask Item Number: A3784 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden, carved, supernatural bird mask with a long beak and s-shaped cutout nostrils. The beak is hinged with pieces of rubber on either side, nailed to the lower mouth. The beak and nostrils are painted black with red edging. The eyes are white, outlined in black on a green, ovoid shaped background; brow is black. Tied to the top of the head are two pieces of wood that form a frame that holds the mask on when worn. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of an attached twine cord that assistants the beak in opening and shutting. The mask is painted black, red, green and white with Northwest Coast stylized designs.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Iconographic Meaning
Possibly Raven of the Woods: Gwa'wayilya'na. See Boas, 1921, pp. 1179-1220.
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
- Accession Number
- 1851/0008