Raven Mask
Item number A3673 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.
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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
Carved bird mask with a long beak and oval shaped cutout nostrils. The beak is hinged with pieces of leather on either side, nailed to the lower mouth. The beak and nostrils are painted black with red edging and white detailing. There are numerous white U-forms extending from the back of the mouth to around the nose. The eye is outlined in black on a white, ovoid shaped background; eyebrow is black. The top of the head is decorated with cedar bark fringe and black feathers. Long strips of cedar run down the back, sides and front of the opening. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of a long rectangular shaped, wooden handle and attached twine cords. The mask is painted black, red and white.
History Of Use
Used in dances of Hamats!a. A stick is attached to the top of the mask which is secured to the wearer's chest to hold the mask in position.
Cultural Context
ceremonial
Iconographic Meaning
Mask representing Raven at the north end of the world: Gwaxgwaxwalanuxsiwe'.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1951
- Collected in Hopetown, British Columbia, Canada and Hegam's, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Williams before November 1951
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Williams (Seller) during November 1951
What
- Name
- Raven Mask
- Identification Number
- A3673
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- wood, cedar bark, feather, paint, leather skin and metal
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, hinged and painted
- Overall
- height 86.7 cm, width 31.7 cm, depth 113.0 cm
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Hopetown, British Columbia, Canada and Hegam's, British Columbia, Canada
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Chief Williams
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Williams (Seller)
When
- Creation Date
- before 1951
- Ownership Date
- before November 1951
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1951
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1922/0003
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