Mask Item Number: A7318 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Black, white and red Hamatsa raven mask featuring an elongated beak with a hinged lower jaw. Red nostrils in the centre of the beak are flared, open, and surrounded by a simple design. A thick, twined cedar bark cord is nailed along the upper rim of the mask, augmented by a loose cedar bark fringe at the back.
History Of Use
Worn by Hamats!a.
Narrative
Used in potlatch of Herbert Johnson of Gilford Island.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Raven at the North End of the World, Gwaxgwaxwanuxsiwe', one of the servants of Cannibal at the North End of the World, Baxbakwalanuksiwe'.
Item History
- Made by Arthur Shaughnessy (Maker) in British Columbia, Canada during 1918
- Collected in Kingcome Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Ukwanalis, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Jack Henry before February 1961
- Received from Jack Henry (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) during February 1961
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Arthur Shaughnessy (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Jack Henry
- Received from
- Jack Henry (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
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
- during 1918
- Ownership Date
- before February 1961
- Acquisition Date
- during February 1961
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 35
- Accession Number
- 1822/0004