Mask

Item number A6317 a from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Large, carved, wooden, raven hamatsa mask with a long beak and ovoid shaped cutout nostrils. The beak is hinged with pieces of skin, with fur, nailed to either side. The beak is painted black with a red mouth and nose. At the back of the nose are five black U-forms with a large black s-shape; each shape is outlined in white. The eyes are white, outlined in black and red, on a white and red, 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. The bottom is black with white edging. The mask is painted black, red and white with stylized designs. (Part b is a detached piece of cedar fringe.)

History Of Use

Worn by Hamats!a.

Iconographic Meaning

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