Mask Item Number: A4287 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Wooden mask with oversized black brow ridge, green, white, and black inset eyes, black, red, and white hooked nose that connects to the top lip. Cheeks are defined with a curved black and white striped line that extends from the nose ridge to the bottom of the chin. There are two square shaped protrusions with rounded edges at the top of the mask, possibly indicating ears or feathers.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents the Wild Man of the Woods, Bak'was, or Bukwus. Bak'was was seen by a medicine man. The Bak'was clapped his hands to the tree, causing a loud noise and a flash of light. The medicine man wanted the light, but he slipped and fell. The Bak'was, with a look, made the man lose his mind. Getting the light from the Bak'was brings good luck.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Smith Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Takus, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Edward Walkus before May 15, 1953
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Edward Walkus (Seller) on May 15, 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Chief Edward Walkus
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Edward Walkus (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Smith Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Takus, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before May 15, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on May 15, 1953
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 41
- Accession Number
- 1973/0002