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SAM'S collection
Mouse Woman Mask
Mouse Woman Mask

Mouse Woman Mask

Dateca. 1970-71
Maker Sam Johnson Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
Label TextBecause of her speed and sharp mind, Mouse Woman is sent out to make sure no one is watching the secret dance of the animals. In the story, she befriends the girl and tells the others that no one is watching. In time, the girl is allowed to observe and to take the supernatural treasure of the dance and masks back to her family. -- Barbara Brotherton, Curator of Native American Art, 2016
Object numberSC2006.8
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
Dimensions11 x 9 1/2 x 9 in. (27.94 x 24.13 x 22.86 cm)
MediumRed cedar, enamel paint, cotton cloth, and leather
Raccoon Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.9
Wolf Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.10
Cod Fish Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.1
Bukwus Mask (Wild Man of the Woods)
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.2
Porcupine Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.3
Grizzly Bear Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.6
Deer Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.7
Otter Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.11
Bukwus Mask (Wild Man of the Woods)
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.12
Kingfisher Mask
Sam Johnson
1970-71
Object number: SC2006.4
Photo: Paul Macapia
Mungo Martin (Nakapankam)
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.7
Owl Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: Sc2006.5