Gwaxwaml (Atlak'im Raven mask)

ca. 1940

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

Martin learned carving from his father-in-law Charlie James, but forged a style that blended Kwakwaka’wakw traditions with other practices on the coast. In advanced age, he restored totem poles and trained other artists while in residence at the University of British Columbia and the Royal British Columbia Museum. His deep understanding of Kwagu’l traditions supported a revitalization of the arts that is still felt today. This Raven is one of the atlak’im dance forest beings.

Red cedar, enamel paint

11 x 9 7/8 in. (27.94 x 25.08 cm)

Gift of John H. Hauberg

91.1.6

Provenance: Micheal R. Johnson, Seattle, Washington, until 1973; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1973-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington

Photo: Paul Macapia

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. 230

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