Mask Item Number: A6271 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Carved wooden mask depicting Dzunuk'wa. The humanoid face has a protruding forehead, recessed closed eyes, flattened nose and pursed lips. The mask is painted black with orange eye sockets and red nostrils and lips. The hair is reddish brown and pegged in strands at top of head.
History Of Use
Chief's mask, worn while giving gifts or cutting copper. These are distinguishable from the Dzunuq!wa masks by hair (J. Dick, 1966). The Gikaml, or chief's [Dzunuk'wa] masks...are usually of moderate dimensions. They are always mostly black, crowned with long hair and often with heavy eyebrows, moustaches, and beards of black bear's fur. Deep-set eyes are closed or barely open.... (See Holm, "Smokey-Top")
Narrative
Made for Jim Humchitt. (J. Seaweed, 1966).
Iconographic Meaning
A black mask with pursed lips indicates the mask represents Dzunuk'wa.
Item History
- Made by Willie Seaweed (Maker) in Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada ? or Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada ? during 1934
- Collected in Hope Island, British Columbia, Canada and Xwamdasbe', British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Chief Jim Humchitt before October 20, 1953
- Received from Chief Jim Humchitt (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) on October 20, 1953
What
- Name
- Mask
- Identification Number
- A6271
- Type of Item
- mask
- Material
- yellow cedar wood and human hair
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, pegged, painted and bored
- Overall
- height 30.0 cm, width 19.0 cm, depth 15.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Kwakwaka'wakw
- Creator
- Willie Seaweed (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Chief Jim Humchitt
- Received from
- Chief Jim Humchitt (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Blunden Harbour, British Columbia, Canada ? or Ba'as, British Columbia, Canada ?
- Collected in
- Hope Island, British Columbia, Canada and Xwamdasbe', British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- during 1934
- Ownership Date
- before October 20, 1953
- Acquisition Date
- on October 20, 1953
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 22
- Accession Number
- 1992/0009