Mask Item Number: A6353 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask representing a face with prominent white teeth. Forehead and eyebrows black. Eye sockets and bridge of nose painted brown. Black and white eyes surrounded by carved white-black-red eyelids. Black, white design on temples. Nose white with carved red nostrils. Two crescents formed by cheekbones and lower jaws meeting at the chin covered with black, white design. Carved white teeth. Mouth surrounded by white. Moustache is black.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents the Wild Man of the Woods, Bak'was, or Bukwus.
Narrative
Represents laughing face; similar to wild woman of the woods. If dancer makes a mistake, the chief will burn the mask (P. Smith, 1966).
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1953
- Collected in Smith Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Takus, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by James Walkus before December 14, 1953
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and James Walkus (Seller) on December 14, 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Previous Owner
- James Walkus
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and James 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
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Ownership Date
- before December 14, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on December 14, 1953
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1977/0003