Worn during the winter ceremonial dances that accompany a potlatch feast, this mask represents the prestigious inherited privilege of a high-ranking individual. The layers of commercial paint reveal that this mask was repainted at a later date, perhaps to refurbish it when passed to a new owner, a hamat’sa society initiate dancer. Masks such as this one are still carved and worn in dances by Kwakwaka’wakw artists and inheritors of this privilege. Ironically, at the time of its creation, First Nations’ ceremonial practices, including the dancing and display of this headdress, were illegal under Canadian law. The artists working during those arduous years of forced assimilation and oppression are celebrated for carrying on traditions that continue in practice today.

• Collection History Provenance

  The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

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• Type of Item mask
• Culture Kwakwaka'wakw
• Material red cedar wood, paint, red cedar bark, metal nail, leather, cord
• Measurements height 42.0 in (overall)

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• Creator Kwakwaka'wakw artist

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• Made in Northwest Coast, Northwest Coast

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• Creation Date during 1950

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• Categories Northwest Coast; Ceremonial and Ritual Objects