Sxwayxwey Figure Item Number: A2353 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden human-like standing figure. Dressed in a two sectioned green leather shirt attached by a leather thong waistband. Short cape of the same material also attached. Figure wears a carved wooden sxwayxwey mask painted in red, green, white, black, yellow, and blue. Red and green feathers and a plastic branch decorate the top of the mask. Figure holds a plastic branch in one hand and a wire with three wooden clappers (representing shells) in the other. Figure stands on a flat wooden base.
Narrative
This figure wearing a Sxwayxwey mask was likely made for sale, or it may have been made as a gift to Norman Mackenzie while he was president of UBC? In the 1960s, after the repeal of the Potlatch Law, Sxwayxwey masks were publically worn and displayed. However, they have since been removed from public view due to their powerful and spiritual nature.
Item History
- Made by Stephen August (Maker) in Musqueam, British Columbia, Canada before 1974
- Owned by Norman A. M. Mackenzie before March 1974
- Received from Norman A. M. Mackenzie (Donor) during March 1974
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Musqueam
- Creator
- Stephen August (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Norman A. M. Mackenzie
- Received from
- Norman A. M. Mackenzie (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Musqueam, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1974
- Ownership Date
- before March 1974
- Acquisition Date
- during March 1974
Other
- Accession Number
- 0255/0001