Raccoon Mask
ca. 1970-71
Sam Johnson
Kwakwaka'wakw, Musgama Dzawada'enuxw Nation, born ca. 1930
Raccoon, 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
Red cedar, enamel paint, and cotton cloth
12 1/2 x 9 x 9 13/16 in. (31.75 x 22.86 x 24.96 cm)
Gift of the Pacific Science Center
SC2006.9
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.
