Gwaxwiwe' Hamsiwe' (mask of the Raven Man-eater)
ca. 1940
A 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.
Red cedar, red cedar bark, paint
11 in. (27.94 cm)
L.: 34 1/2 in.
Gift of John H. Hauberg
91.1.13
Provenance: Micheal R. Johnson, Seattle, Washington, until 1973; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1973-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
Photo: Paul Macapia
