Mask Item Number: A4289 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Mask with a scalloped scale symbol edge at the top, slightly bulging eyes, a hooked nose with flared nostrils, and an angular, open mouth. The mask is painted with green, white and red on the scalloped top edge, white overall with heavy black brows, green around the eyes, a red and black design on the temples, green around the cheeks, red on the nostrils, a black scalloped gill symbol design around the mouth, a black moustache, red lips, and a black chin. An off-white cord is attached on the reverse through holes at the top and side edges.
Iconographic Meaning
Represents Undersea Chief: Q!umugwe', who appeared to an ancestor of the owner, at Table Island and took him to the undersea world. When the ancestor returned, he brought many treasures in a chest (E. Walkus, 1953).
Narrative
Made for Edward Walkus between 1946 and 1951 (C. George, W. Seaweed, 1966).
Item History
- Made by Willie Seaweed (Maker) in Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada ? or Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada ? before 1953
- Collected in Smith Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Takus, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Edward Walkus before May 15, 1953
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Edward Walkus (Seller) on May 15, 1953
What
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Willie Seaweed (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Chief Edward Walkus
- Received from
- H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and Chief Edward Walkus (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada ? or Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada ?
- Collected in
- Smith Inlet, British Columbia, Canada and Takus, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1953
- Ownership Date
- before May 15, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on May 15, 1953
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 22
- Accession Number
- 1973/0004