Kwakwaka’wakw Transformation Mask (1900-1920)

Kwakwaka’wakw Transformation Mask (1900-1920)

Ceremonial Mask
Kwakwaka’wakw
Gwawa’enuxw
British Columbia
Transformation Mask
Indigenous Peoples

Artifact is a Transformational ceremonial mask originating from the Kwakwaka’wakw tribe, a Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous people. The mask is carved from wood in an oval human shape with hinges revealing a similar human face with whale motifs underneath.

This mask demonstrates and express the dual nature of supernatural and mythological beings this specifically this mask is though to have portrayed a mythological hero.
Artifacts such as this one can be used to further explore indigenous culture and traditions
Both through understanding the iconographic meaning and considering the mask itself namely the materials and method used to make it. This mask is largely made out of Cedar wood as it was accessible to native Kwakwaka’wakw regions.

Indigenous history is largely preserved in artifacts such as mask and oral forms, fundamental in offering an insight into the values and spiritual beliefs of the First Nation cCultures.

Kwakwaka’wakw tribe member, name unknown, British Columbia, Canada

MOACAT online collecgtion

http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca

1900-1920

Salma Latifi

University of British Columbia, Museum of Anthropology, Case 027, A17140

N/A

Material object - wooden mask

20th century British Columbia