Noomuthl Mask Item Number: 3533/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Carved wooden face mask with a large nose protruding out from the centre. Painted mainly in black and blue, with large red nostrils and a pattern of red dashes at both upper sides. Round open eyes and an open slit at the mouth. Chin unpainted. Braided cedar bark rope attached all around the edges; the braid meets at the top and is bound by a cotton twine. Half of the bark has been dyed red. Above the bound area the cedar bark sticks out over the forehead, as a loose bundle. Inside unpainted. Artist initials carved into wood (T inside the A). (Metal eye hook and plastic tied across back for hanging.)
Purchased by the donor in 1984, from Bud Mintz. The mask was on the cover of a magazine called "Islands" in October 1985. The donor also said the mask had been in an exhibition in Chicago (date unknown).
Nuu-chah-nulth version of the big-nosed fool character.