Mask with Humanoid Face
Dateca. 1880
Maker
First Nations, Nuxalk
Label TextCelestial entities and allusions to cosmic occurrences figure prominently in Nuxalk ceremonials. This mask is reminiscent of another recorded as Xe’mtsiwa, herald of the dawn, and may have been worn by a kusiut dancer bearing this being’s name. It was thought that supernatural beings needed to be “awakened” and requested to make an appearance during ceremonies.
Object number91.1.36
ProvenanceMicheal R. Johnson, Seattle, Washington, until 1972; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1972-1991; 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. 190Credit LineGift of John H. Hauberg
Dimensions12 5/8 x 11 3/8 in. (32.07 x 28.89 cm)
MediumAlder, paint
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