Sxwayxwey Mask Item Number: A6811 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Eagle-face mask with broad face and big cylindrical protruding eyes. On top of face two animal heads with opened mouths. Nose is hooked. Colours are black, white and red.
History Of Use
Used in cleansing ceremonies: during marriage, after death, and the bestowing of a name.
Cultural Context
Sxwayxwey; ceremonial; cleansing
Narrative
This mask was owned by Alec Peters of Musqueam. He told Della Kew in 1972, that it was four generations old.
Iconographic Meaning
Eagle-face mask. Wayne Suttles suggesteddthat this may represent an eagle mask (1982:64). He notes that "an eagle face has as its nose the head of a raptorial bird facing downward, with its mouth extending slightly onto the surface of the face (62)."
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1950
- Owned by Alec Peters before May 1953
- Received from Museum Purchase (Funding source) and Alec Peters (Seller) during May 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Musqueam
- Previous Owner
- Alec Peters
- Received from
- Museum Purchase (Funding source) and Alec Peters (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1950
- Ownership Date
- before May 1953
- Acquisition Date
- during May 1953
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2022/0001