Huxwhukw'iwe' (mask of the Huxwhukw)

ca. 1910

Kwakwaka'wakw, Kwagu'l, Fort Rupert, British Columbia, ca. 1884-1962

Comparison of this mask with Martin’s later Huxwhukw, on this platform, shows how his powerful but simple carving changed over time to accommodate modern styles, by adding more embellishment and using shiny enamel paints. Fellow artist Willie Seaweed influenced such innovations. Here, Martin adds an unusual feature: a pair of hands on either side of the mask, perhaps in reference to the dancer’s grasp as he supports the heavy mask during performances.

Red cedar wood, red cedar bark, paint, leather, wool blanket

14 3/8 x 10 in. (36.51 x 25.4 cm)

L.: 37 3/8 in.

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.145

Now on view at the Seattle Art Museum

Resources

Published ReferencesThe Spirit Within: Northwest Coast Native Art from the John H. Hauberg Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 1995, pg. 214

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