2
keywordPath%20%3D%20%22GYHX%22%20and%20Creation_Place2%20%3D%20%22Canada%22
Woodwork
Raven Dance Mask
Kwakwaka'wakw artist, (active )
Kwakwaka'wakw artist
Canada
56 in. (142.2 cm)
.
.
.
Wood, pigment
Wood, pigment
Kwakwaka'wakw; made in British Columbia, Canada
mid 19th century
1833
1866
birds, masks (sculpture), Native American, Native American art, religious & ritual objects
Woodwork
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]
1964.111
item
Memorial Art Gallery
11/21/2000
64.111TR1
transparency
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
64.111SL1
slide
full
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
glossy
8 x 10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
negative
8 x 10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
negative
3 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
64.111SL2
slide
detail of eye
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
64.111DI2
digital image
Inhouse58
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/64.111_A2.jpg
64.111DI1
digital image
4 x 5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/64.111_A1.jpg
64.111DI3
digital image
TRC4
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
Sculpture
Face Mask
Nuxálk artist, (active )
Nuxálk artist
Canada
29 1/2 x 18 x 11 in. (74.9 x 45.7 x 27.9 cm)
.
.
.
Wood
Wood
Nuxálk; made in Canada
0
0
1800-1900, masks (sculpture), Native American, Native American art
Sculpture
The Nuxalkmc (Nuxálk people) were once referred to as the "Bella Coola." Their homeland and territory are located in and around the Bella Coola valley on the central coast of what is now known as British Columbia, Canada. A rugged inland area located 75 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the region features high mountains rising steeply from the shores of inlets. Nuxálk traditional stories are filled with fabulous beings, many human in form and represented by masked performers in ceremonial dance dramas. Both natural and commercial pigments were used in the decoration of masks, and the characteristic blue, vermilion and black painting is dramatic and distinctive. Very little is known about this mask that is too large to have been worn.
[Gallery label text, 2009]
1984.45
item
Memorial Art Gallery
3/10/2001
84.45SL1
slide
full frontal
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
glossy
8x10
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
negative
4x5
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
84.45DI1
digital image
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/84.45_A1.jpg
84.45SL2
slide
full back
2 x 2
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Graphics/blank.gif
84.45DI#2
digital image
6/18/2008
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/84.45_A2.jpg
84.45DI3
digital image
Back
00/00/00
http://127.0.0.1:5000/Media/images/84.45_A3.jpg