Headdress Item Number: A7982 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Painted wooden mask with a humanistic white face and black head covering. Facial features are painted: the thick frowning lips are red; protruding nose (with the tip nailed on) is blue; the areas surrounding the eyes and cheeks are also blue, with a downward point. The eyes themselves are white, outlined in black, with round black centres, and black eyebrows. On both sides of the head protruding metal discs have been nailed on, near the top. There are two holes in the wood at the top of the head covering, with a strip of wood between.
History Of Use
This is the inner part of a transformation mask; it is missing the hinged sides that likely represented a bird’s beak. The alarm-clock bells are the eyes of what was likely a bird. Said to be used by a male participant at a potlatch who would give whistle signals, to order the sequence of events.
Item History
- Made in Kyuquot, British Columbia, Canada during 1930
- Collected between 1961 and 1962
- Owned by Chief Emil Jules
- Owned by Edward F. Meade before May 16, 1962
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Edward F. Meade (Seller) on May 16, 1962
What
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth: Kyuquot
- Previous Owner
- Chief Emil Jules and Edward F. Meade
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Edward F. Meade (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Kyuquot, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1930
- Collection Date
- between 1961 and 1962
- Ownership Date
- before May 16, 1962
- Acquisition Date
- on May 16, 1962
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0070/0002