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SAM'S collection
Raccoon Mask
Raccoon Mask

Raccoon Mask

Dateca. 1970-71
Maker Sam Johnson Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
Label TextRaccoon, as keeper of the fire, would have been in charge of illuminating the sacred cave where the Animal Kingdom Dance first took place. -- Barbara Brotherton, Curator of Native American Art, 2016
Object numberSC2006.9
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 1/2 x 9 x 9 13/16 in. (31.75 x 22.86 x 24.96 cm)
MediumRed cedar, enamel paint, and cotton cloth
Mouse Woman Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: SC2006.8
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
Owl Mask
Sam Johnson
ca. 1970-71
Object number: Sc2006.5
Photo: Paul Macapia
Mungo Martin (Nakapankam)
ca. 1940
Object number: 91.1.7