Owl Mask

Dateca. 1970-71

Maker Sam Johnson Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930

Label TextOwl is called the "Wise One" perhaps because his large eyes see deeply into the real and spirit worlds. Its distinctive markings, rotating head and binocular vision, put the owl in the pantheon of auspicious creatures. George Hunt (1854-1933), a knowledgeable First Nations consultant to anthropologist Franz Boas, recorded that some Kwakwaka'wakw believed that after death man becomes an owl. -- Barbara Brotherton, Curator of Native American Art, 2016

Object numberSc2006.5

ProvenanceThis 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.

Credit LineGift of the Pacific Science Center

Dimensions12 x 9 1/2 x 10 in. (30.48 x 24.13 x 25.4 cm)

Mediumwood with enamel paint