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Raven Dance Mask
mid 19th century56 in. (142.2 cm)
Kwakwaka'wakw artist
Canada
Kwakwaka'wakw; made in British Columbia, Canada
Object Type:
Woodwork
Medium and Support:
Wood, pigment, cedar bark
Credit Line:
Marion Stratton Gould Fund
Accession Number:
1964.111
Location: Currently on view
This mask represents Raven, one of the creatures most important to the Kwakwaka’wakw people. Known to be quick learners, aggressive defenders of territory, and very social with one another, ravens have been a respected clan emblem for centuries. Raven masks are worn during a portion of the hamatsa, an initiation masquerade for young men. Following a choreographed sequence, with beaks projecting upward and masks moving wildly from side to side, the hinged lower jaw of the mask is manipulated with a cord. When the cord is pulled, the mask responds with a loud clacking sound – the “hap, hap” of the birds’ voices – adding to the dramatic effect of the performance.
Hamatsa is performed at Kwakwaka’wakw potlatches. Potlatches are traditional cross-clan celebrations including dancing, feasting and magnanimous distribution of gifts held to honor births, marriages, deaths and other changes in social relationships. Potlatches continue to this day, despite attempts to ban them by both the Canadian and United States governments in the late 19th century.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Hamatsa is performed at Kwakwaka’wakw potlatches. Potlatches are traditional cross-clan celebrations including dancing, feasting and magnanimous distribution of gifts held to honor births, marriages, deaths and other changes in social relationships. Potlatches continue to this day, despite attempts to ban them by both the Canadian and United States governments in the late 19th century.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
Provenance
Everett Rassiga (1922-2003), New York (dealer); purchased from him by the Gallery in 1964
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Exhibition List
This object was included in the following exhibitions:
- Harris K. Prior Memorial Exhibition 4/2/1976 - 5/2/1976
Bibliography
This object has the following bibliographic references:
- Article Author: Kreamer, Christine Mullen. Article Scope: Article and reproduction. Susan Dodge Peters, ed. Memorial Art Gallery: An Introduction to the Collection. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery in association with Hudson Hills Press, 1988. Page Number: 266-267
- Memorial Art Gallery. Gallery Notes. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery, 1935-1995.
- Article Scope: Reproduction only. Memorial Art Gallery. Handbook Supplement : acquisitions, 1962-68. Rochester, New York: University of Rochester Press, 1968.
- Brighton-Pittsford Post. Pittsford, NY
- Memorial Art Gallery. ARTiculate. Rochester, NY: Memorial Art Gallery, 2000--.
- Article Author: Hoene, Anne. Article Title: A Balanced Collection. Article Scope: Article and reproduction. Art Gallery Magazine. Ivoryton, CT: Wm. C. Bendig Volume Number: XI, Issue Number: 10. Issue Date: Summer 1968. Page Number: 19
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