Transformation Mask Item Number: A6373 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden, carved, dear-human transformation mask with a long snout painted red with circular cutout nostrils. The jaw is hinged with a piece of leather nailed to the lower mouth; the sides have metal hinges. The face is dark red/brown with white edging and detailing; black outlined eyes on a green, ovoid-like shaped background; brow is black. There are two large, orange ears nailed to the top that appear to be added later. The mask opens in three directions – to the sides and down – exposing a painted human face with cutout nostrils. The three open boards are detailed with the figures hands, along with ovoids, U’s and split U’s. Twine cord that attaches to all three sides and run through the human’s nose to assist the mask in opening and shutting. The back has numerous cedar strips that would fall behind the head of the wearer. The mask is painted red, dark red/brown black, green, white and black with Northwest Coast stylized designs.
Iconographic Meaning
The face inside the mask is that of man who sat beside X!axagila's river (C. George, 1966).
Narrative
"Mask is about 90 years old" (M. Jacobson, 1954).
Item History
- Made by Charlie George Sr. (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada during 1865
- Collected in New Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Tzadzis'nukwame', British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Mike Jacobson before February 8, 1954
- Received from Mike Jacobson (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on February 8, 1954
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Charlie George Sr. (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Mike Jacobson
- Received from
- Mike Jacobson (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- New Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Tzadzis'nukwame', British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1865
- Ownership Date
- before February 8, 1954
- Acquisition Date
- on February 8, 1954
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 27
- Accession Number
- 1955/0001