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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Large, carved, wooden, raven hamatsa mask with a long, tall, beak and cutout nostrils. The beak is hinged with pieces of rubber nailed to either side. The beak is painted black with a red mouth and noses. Along the back of the nose to the back of the mouth are red U-forms and other shapes outlined in white. The eyes are white, outlined in black, surrounded by red on a white, ovoid shaped background; brow is black. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of twine used to open and close the beak. The top has short pieces of cedar creating a fringe, while the back has longer strips that hang over the wearer. Intertwined in the cedar are many feathers. There is a piece of cloth that hangs down over the front of the wearer. The mask is painted black, red, and white with Northwest Coast stylized designs.

History Of Use

Worn by Hamats!a dancer.

Cultural Context

ceremonial

Iconographic Meaning

Represents Raven at the north end of the world, Gwaxgwaxwalanuxsiwe', one of the servants of Cannibal at the north end of the world, Baxbakwalanuxsiwe'.

Item History

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