Sxwayxwey Mask Item Number: A6812 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Ghost-face mask with protruding cylindrical eyes. Owl figures on the top. Unpainted.
History Of Use
Used in cleansing ceremonies: during marriage, after a death, or for the bestowing of a name.
Iconographic Meaning
This mask is a ghost mask. The bird figures at the top have been identified as barn or pygmy owls by Della Kew of Musqueam. Owls are associated with the dead and clairvoyance in Coast Salish culture. While this mask is unpainted, the usual colours are black with white trim.
Item History
- Made by Andrew Charles (Maker) in Musqueam, British Columbia, Canada during 1954
- Owned by Andrew Charles before 1954
- Received from Andrew Charles (Seller) and Museum Purchase (Funding source) during 1954
What
- Name
- Sxwayxwey Mask
- Identification Number
- A6812
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- cedar wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved
- Overall
- height 53.4 cm, width 25.4 cm, depth 19.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Musqueam
- Creator
- Andrew Charles (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Andrew Charles
- Received from
- Andrew Charles (Seller) and Museum Purchase (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Musqueam, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1954
- Ownership Date
- before 1954
- Acquisition Date
- during 1954
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2098/0001