Mask Item Number: A5282 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask with a piece of abalone suspended from the nose. The mask is painted with black eyebrows, green around the eyes, red nostrils and lips, a black moustache, and a black scalloped design around the mouth area, suggesting gills. The forehead is painted with a black design that suggests a fish tail.
Iconographic Meaning
Possibly a representation of Komokwa, the Undersea King and master and protecter of seals in Kwakwaka'wakw mythology. The painted designs suggest undersea origins. Those around the mouth may be gills, while the forehead painting suggests a fish tail. Abalone is further symbolism of the Undersea King.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Walter C. Koerner before 1972
- Received from Walter C. Koerner (Donor) during 1972
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- A5282
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- fibre, wood, abalone shell, iron metal, copper metal and paint
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, nailed and painted
- Overall
- height 27.8 cm, width 19.0 cm, depth 17.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Walter C. Koerner
- Received from
- Walter C. Koerner (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1972
- Acquisition Date
- during 1972
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 40
- Accession Number
- 0160/0033