Mask of the Moon (Tl’uk)

ca. 1880

Impressive circular sculptures with faces embedded in the center represent the Sun and Moon, and are theatrically drawn across the back of the ceremonial house during the kusiut winter dances. The corona is painted with a whale, two birds in profile and a stylized face. The predominance of cool blue coloration—possibly derived from British laundry bluing—could indicate the sky realm of Tl’uk.

Red cedar, alder, paint

42 3/4 x 42 1/8 in. (108.59 x 107 cm)

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.95

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

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

Seattle, Washington, Seattle Art Museum, Hauberg Collection - ParsonsGallery, August 22, 1985 - March 16, 1986

Published ReferencesSelected Works, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1991, p. 72

The Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1995, p. 180

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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