Mask Item Number: A4496 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Carved wooden, crooked beak mask. The beak has large red, ovoid shaped nostrils outlined with two red split u behind it. Running from the brow is a large central frill that protrudes outward and curves inward to the centre tip of the beak and back into itself; detailed with black u-forms. The mouth is red, flat and protruding; bottom part of jaw is hinged with rectangular pieces of leather. The face is black with white detailing; two white u-forms behind the eyes. The eyes are black, outlined in white on a white ovoid shaped ground; brow is black. The underside of the beak is black with a white ovoid. The inside of the mask is hollow with the exception of twisted twine pieces through the lower beak to articulate the beak which is now nailed shut. Attached to the top edge are many bundles of small stripes of cedar bark. Hanging from the top and sides are long strips of cedar that would cover the wearer. The mask is painted black, white and red with Northwest Coast stylized forms.

History Of Use

Worn by Hamats!a.

Iconographic Meaning

Represents Crooked Beak of Heaven, Galugwadzawe', one of the servants of Baxbakwalanuksiwe', cannibal at the north end of the world.

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
A4496
Type of Item
mask
Material
wood, fibre, metal, cedar bark, leather skin and paint
Manufacturing Technique
carved, nailed, painted and bored
Overall
height 34.0 cm, width 26.1 cm, depth 86.4 cm

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Previous Owner
Sam Webber
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Sam Webber (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Ukwanalis, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
before 1960
Ownership Date
before July 1, 1960
Acquisition Date
on July 1, 1960

Other

Condition
good
Current Location
Case 35
Accession Number
0027/0001