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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Mask with large bulbous eyes, squared nose with holes around it, a painted mouth, and cedar bark fringe. Linear designs on face are in black, yellow, red, and white. Cloth is attached to the back of the mask and hangs down. Is secured with fibre cording and nails.

History Of Use

Used in the Bumblebee dance, which is a children's dance and is often one of the first dances a child participates in during the Winter Ceremonial among the Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw.

Narrative

Used in potlatch by Alec Nelson, Kingcome Inlet, 1938 (D. Hawkins, 1966).

Iconographic Meaning

Represents a bumblebee. In the dance, a father and mother bee lead progressively smaller bees out onto the dance floor one by one. When the children are led back into their 'beehive' at the end of the dance one child is discovered to be missing. The father bee circles the floor four times searching for this lost child. On the fourth round the child is found hidden amongst the spectators and is led home.

Item History

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