Wolf Mask
ca. 1970-71
Sam Johnson
Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
According to Bill Scow, one of the heirs of the Animal Kingdom privilege, Wolf was the leader of the animals and would call them out one-by-one to pantomime the characteristics of each creature. After all the animals had danced in sequence, they would dance together as a group for the finale.
-- Barbara Brotherton, Curator of Native American Art, 2016
Red cedar, enamel paint, and cloth
8 x 8 1/8 in. (20.32 x 20.64 cm)
L.: 20 3/4 in.
Gift of the Pacific Science Center
SC2006.10
Provenance: This group of ten masks was created to be used during the opening dances at the Sea Monster House at the Pacific Science Center, Seattle in ca. 1970-71. Each represents a different animal, some supernatural, many with recognizable features including Codfish, Bukwus, Porcupine, Kingfisher, Owl, Grizzly Bear, Deer, Mouse Woman, Raccoon, and Wolf.
