Bird Mask

Item number A3653 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Large mask with short broad beak and big flaring nostrils. Short curved frill covered along rim with cedar bark fringe. On top of head are feathers, cedar bark fringe and three other smaller bird heads. Black, white and red.

Narrative

According to Charlie George (1966), the original of this mask, which was sold earlier, was made by Charlie James. George said he added small beaks when the mask was used in a movie made in Fort Rupert c. 1950 (C. George, 1966). Original museum ledger entry indicates that this mask was made by "Yakuglas Galsami" (Charlie James) for Mungo Martin. (A subsequent entry indicates the mask may have been made by Ed Walkus for David Martin; attributed to J. S. 1966--Joe Seaweed?). Catalogue card indicates mask was made by Mungo Martin c. 1912. Mungo Martin (1966) indicated that he had two the same, one from Abaya Martin's great-grandfather, and the other from her father's mother (Mungo Martin, 1951). Peter Macnair (1999) suggests that the mask is not consistent with Mungo Martin's style, although he may have repainted it. According to Macnair the small mask-like appendages (referred to as beaks above) are consistent with Mungo Martin's style and that Charlie George may have attached them to the mask rather than made them? Now on long term loan to the U'mista Cultural Centre.