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A complex transformation mask. Closed, the mask
depicts a Whale with a seagull on its head. When the Whale's face is
opened, the dorsal fin and gull's head both fold back to reveal the
humanlike inner face. Copper eyebrows, lips and cheek decorations
complete this mask.
Collected on Haida Gwaii in 1879 by
Israel W. Powell.
CMC VII-B-23 (S92-4172 closed, S92-4174
open)
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The relatively small upper incisors of this Marmot
mask and the lack of a stick in its mouth distinguish it from a
Beaver. Collected by Alexander McKenzie of the Hudson's Bay Company,
who commented it was used in a social dance at a house-warming
potlatch in Masset before 1884.
CMC VII-B-136a (S85-3277)
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This forehead mask represents a Beaver
characteristically gnawing a stick, which it holds with humanlike
hands. There is abalone shell inlay on the teeth and eyes, and
streamers of human hair. Some Tsimshian influence is evident in the
form and decoration of the eyebrows.
Collected on Haida
Gwaii in 1879 by Israel W. Powell.
CMC VII-B-17 (S92-4168)
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This dance mask dating from about 1860 has unusual
red eyes, with peepholes beside each pupil rather than in the centre
of them, lending a blank or neutral expression to the face. Red cedar
bark and eagle down are still attached.
Collected on Haida
Gwaii by Israel W. Powell in 1879.
CMC VII-B-4 (S92-4161)
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A dance mask with a movable attachment of a White
Squirrel on top. The style is markedly Tsimshian, including the dashed
and crosshatched zones on the face, as well as the White Squirrel
crest. Masks like this one were probably acquired by the Haida in
trade at Fort Simpson.
Collected on Haida Gwaii in 1879 by
Israel W. Powell.
CMC VII-B-21 (S92-4171)
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A mask with unusually large eyeholes, peaked
eyebrows and thick lips. The extensive face
painting on it is crudely done and gives no indication of what it
represents.
Collected on Haida Gwaii (probably at
Skidegate) in 1879 by Israel W. Powell.
CMC VII-B-135
(S92-4195)
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