Description

Carved transformation mask. The exterior figure is a large thunderbird head with a yellow beak, black outlined eyes surrounded by a green ovoid-like shaped, as well as a red mouth and detailing. Nailed to the top of the bird are numerous cedar bundles. The mask opens in four directions – to the sides, up and down – exposing a painted human face with cutout nostrils, eyes and mouth. The side boards have a painted sisiutl with each side depicting a serpent head. The top has the human’s horns while the bottom open board is detailed with ovoids, U’s and split U’s. Twine cord attaches to all four sides to assist the mask in opening and shutting. The opened boards are hinged with leather and attached by staples. The mask is painted yellow, green, red, white and black with Northwest Coast stylized designs. Long, rectangular shaped handle extends from top back of mask.