Gwaxwiwe' Hamsiwe' (mask of the Raven Man-eater)
Dateca. 1940
Maker
Mungo Martin (Nakapankam)
Kwakwaka'wakw, Kwagu'l, Fort Rupert, British Columbia, ca. 1884-1962
Label TextA set of Cannibal Bird masks would typically include Raven Man-eater. This example and the Huxwhukw mask by Willie Seaweed on this platform were made for the Tom Johnson family of Fort Rupert. The long fringe of alder-dyed cedar bark covers the dancer, who would also have an attendant close by to guard him. Some masks of this type weigh thirty-five pounds.
Object number91.1.13
ProvenanceMicheal R. Johnson, Seattle, Washington, until 1973; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1973-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
Photo CreditPhoto: Paul Macapia
Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 212Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg
Dimensions11 in. (27.94 cm)
L.: 34 1/2 in.
MediumRed cedar, red cedar bark, paint
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
early 20th century
Object number: 91.1.5
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