Mask Item Number: A4168 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden, Hamatsa mask. The long beak has red circular shaped nostrils with a white two split-u and many s forms behind it. Running from the edge of the nostril to the middle of the beak is a carved narrow cut. The mouth is red, narrow and protruding; the underside is black. The beak hinged with a rectangular piece of fibre nailed to the mask. The eyes are black ovoids, outlined in white and red on a green ovoid shaped ground; the brow is black. The inside is hollow with the exception of twine which articulates the mask. Attached to the top and sides are small bundles of cedar; few small tufts of eagle down intertwined. Small bundles of cedar along the edge of the frill. Small wooden handle is attached at top to secure mask to wearer. The mask is painted black, red, white and green with Northwest Coast stylized forms.
History Of Use
Worn by Hamats!a dancer. A small stick is attached to secure mask to the wearer's chest.
Narrative
Is said to be aberrant and unusual raven due to cut through the beak (B. Holm and M. Martin).
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Crooked Beak of Heaven, Galugwadxawe', one of the servants of Baxbakwalanuxsiwe': cannibal at the north end of the world.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1952
- Collected in Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Harry Mountain before November 17, 1952
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Harry Mountain (Seller) on November 17, 1952
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- Chief Harry Mountain
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Harry Mountain (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Village Island, British Columbia, Canada and 'Mimkwamlis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1952
- Ownership Date
- before November 17, 1952
- Acquisition Date
- on November 17, 1952
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 37
- Accession Number
- 2006/0015