Transformation Mask Item Number: A6256 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved, wooden, raven-kolus transformation mask. The exterior raven consists of a long black beak, red mouth and cutout nostrils. The eyes are white, outlined in black on a white background surrounded by a green ovoid; brow is black. The mask opens in four directions – to the sides, up and down – exposing kolus with a short white beak, red mouth and nostrils. The eyes are white, outlined in black on a white background surrounded by a green ovoid; brow is black. The side boards depict its wings; top its tail feathers while the bottom open board is detailed with ovoids, U’s and split U’s. Twine cord attaches to all four sides to assist the mask in opening and shutting. The opened boards are hinged with leather and attached by nails. The mask is painted white, black, green and red with Northwest Coast stylized designs. Long strips of cedar hang down the back covering the head of the wearer.
Iconographic Meaning
Transformation mask: Dalhdalhagamlh, represents Raven, Gwa'wina, and younger brother of thunderbird: Qulus (T. Johnson, 1966).
Item History
- Made by Charlie George Sr. (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada before 1953
- Collected in Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Alice Mountain before October 13, 1953
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Alice Mountain (Seller) on October 13, 1953
What
- Name
- Transformation Mask
- Identification Number
- A6256
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- metal, leather skin, wood, cedar bark and paint
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 88.7 cm, width 27.6 cm, depth 58.7 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Charlie George Sr. (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Alice Mountain
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Alice Mountain (Seller)
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 1953
- Ownership Date
- before October 13, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on October 13, 1953
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2011/0001