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SAM'S collection
Owl Mask
Owl Mask

Owl Mask

Dateca. 1970-71
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
Photo: Paul Macapia
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.6
Photo: Paul Macapia
Mungo Martin (Nakapankam)
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.7
Wolf Mask
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.10
Mouse Woman Mask
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.8
Raccoon Mask
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.9
Noh-mask:  Okina (Old Man)
Japanese
18th century
Object number: 69.110
Photo: Paul Macapia
Object number: 81.17.298
Efe mask, Path Clearer
20th century
Object number: 95.130
Mask
Mexican
Object number: 81.17.1377
Mask
Mexican
Object number: 81.17.1378
Mask
Mexican
Object number: 81.17.160
Huxwhukw'iwe' (mask of the Huxwhukw)
Native American, Kwakwaka'wakw
ca. 1910
Object number: 91.1.145