Mask of Human/Bird face

ca. 1880

Forceful in both its sculptural and painted elements, the mask’s impression is one of a power being who commands attention. Above the eyes is a representation of the cedar bark head ring worn by the dancer, dyed cedar bark being a symbol of the kusiut (also called Winter Ceremonial).

Alder, red cedar bark, cotton cloth, hair, cotton twine, nails, and paint

12 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (30.48 x 20.32 x 21.59 cm)

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.34

Provenance: [Carlebach Gallery, New York, New York], in 1961; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1961-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington

Photo: Paul Macapia

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistoryVancouver, BC, Vancouver Art Gallery, Down from the Shimmering Sky: Masks of the Northwest Coast", June 4, 1998 - May 15, 2000

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, The Box of Daylight, September 15, 1983 - January 8, 1984

Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 186

Holm, Bill, Box of Daylight: Northwest Coast Indian Art, Seattle Art Museum, University of Washington Press, 1983, no. 41, p. 40, illus.

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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