Mask Item Number: A4243 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Raven mask with long beak and small crescent shaped nostrils. Simple design around nostril. Cedar bark fringe and feathers around head. Painted red, black and white.

History Of Use

Worn by a Hamats!a dancer during winter ceremonies.

Iconographic Meaning

Represents Raven at the north end of the world: Gwaxgwaxwalanuxsiwe', one of the servants of Baxbakwalanuxsiwe', cannibal at the north end of the world.

Narrative

Now on long term loan to the U'mista Cultural Centre.

Item History

What

Name
Mask
Identification Number
A4243
Type of Item
mask
Material
feather, cedar bark, wood and paint
Manufacturing Technique
carved, hinged, nailed and painted
Overall
height 10.0 in, width 12.0 in, depth 40.9843 in

Who

Culture
Kwakwaka'wakw
Creator
Mungo Martin (Maker)
Previous Owner
Herbert Martin
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Herbert Martin (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Fort Rupert, British Columbia, Canada and Tsaxis, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
before 1949
Ownership Date
before March 11, 1953
Acquisition Date
on March 11, 1953

Other

Accession Number
1931/0001