Naxnox mask
ca. 1900
Identified as “Giant” by the collector, we can only imagine how the dancer would have revealed the nature of this powerful being, particularly the meaning behind the enigmatic painting on the surface. The part-human, part-bird face is similar to those on totem poles of the Git’ksan First Nation, a branch of the Tsimshian.
Red cedar and paint
15 3/8 x 12 3/16 x 12 3/16 in. (39.05 x 30.96 x 30.96 cm)
Gift of John H. Hauberg
91.1.49
Provenance: Micheal R. Johnson, Seattle, Washington, until 1972; John H. Hauberg, Seattle, Washington, 1972-1991; Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington
Photo: Paul Macapia