The large background area of unpainted wood is more Bella Coola than Kwakwaka'wakw in style, and the simple geometric pattern of red stripes resembles some mask painting of the former tribe. The use of gambler masks in a stylized performance of the widely known Hand Game or Bone Game as part of the Tlasula is well documented. High-ranking guests are invited to play against the masked gamblers and are paid lavishly. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)

Great ladles, with figures of mythical creatueres carved on their handles, are used to distribute food from the feast dishes. The Burke Museum collection includes a pair of large ladles decorated with carved Sisioohl heads. The Sisioohl head is conceived as an extension of the handle, bent back upon itself and joined to the neck of the spoon. The head, with its coiled nostril, scaly crest, and spiral horn, is deeply carved and painted in black, red, green, and white. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)

The paint is black and red.

The paint is black, red, and white.

This mask was made by Willie Seaweed, an artist well represented in the Burke Museum collection. The heavy drooping eyebrows and mustache, open mouth, and staring eyes suggest a certain naivete. The face is entirely white, with the features in black and red. It is a highly intellectualized piece of sculpture, typical of Willie Seaweed in every way. (Holm, Crooked Beak of Heaven, 1972)

The paint is yellow, black, white, and red.

The paint is white and ocher.

The paint is red, blue, and black.

The paint is green, black, and red.

The paint is black and green.