Mask Item Number: A8376 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved mask, mostly unpainted. Male face carved with grimacing expression; some teeth missing; some painted red or black. Incised lines across forehead and double lines for nose; several lines at both sides of chin; carved out cheeks and eye areas. Loop of cedar bark through hole at top. Two rectangular-shaped holes at either side.
History Of Use
Nutsq'lhuus; supernatural clown or laughing face mask. Usually has missing teeth; used to make the audience feel better, in between more serious dances. The dancer uses this mask to imitate other dancers and make people laugh. Still in use.
Narrative
Purchased from Davenport Clayton in 1959. Collected by his parents while operating a store in Bella Coola between 1890 and 1910.
Item History
- Made in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada
- Collected between 1890 and 1910
- Owned by Davenport Clayton before 1959
- Owned by Campbell River & District Historical Society before April 17, 1963
- Received from Campbell River & District Historical Society (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on April 17, 1963
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- A8376
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- alder wood, cedar bark and paint ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and painted
- Overall
- height 27.2 cm, width 16.5 cm, depth 8.7 cm
Who
- Culture
- Nuxalk
- Previous Owner
- Davenport Clayton and Campbell River & District Historical Society
- Received from
- Campbell River & District Historical Society (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1890 and 1910
- Ownership Date
- before 1959 and before April 17, 1963
- Acquisition Date
- on April 17, 1963
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0099/0017