Mask Item Number: A4499 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden, crooked beak headdress, or mask. The beak has red ovoid shaped nostrils with a central frill that curves inward to the centre of the beak. The mouth is red, flat and protruding; bottom part of jaw is nailed shut. The face is black with white outline and detailing. The eyes are white outlined in black and red on a white, ovoid shaped ground; brow is black. The inside of the mask is hollow; twisted twine is tied to either side of the bottom, back edge of the mask. Attached to the top and side edges are short, bundles cedar stripes; longer pieces of cedar hang down the back. The mask is painted black, white and red with Northwest Coast stylized forms.
History Of Use
Worn by female attendant: hiligaxste', during the taming of the Hamats!a dancer.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Crooked Beak of Heaven, Galugwadzawe', one servant of Baxbakwalanuksiwe', cannibal at the north end of the world.
Item History
- Made by Chief George (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada before 1960
- Collected in Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Ukwanalis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Sam Webber before July 1, 1960
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Sam Webber (Seller) on July 1, 1960
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Chief George (Maker)
- 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
- 0027/0004