U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

Image of the south side of the Potlatch Gallery showing a collection of potlatch regalia mounted against the wall. Image of the south-west corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a group of masks. Image shows a darkened corner of the Potlatch Gallery with a group of Numaml masks on the left. View of the North wall corner towards the centre and south wall of the Potlatch Gallery.

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Haietlik, Sea Serpents

Colour photograph of Haietlik Sea Serpents mask side view shot against a black background

This type of headdress originates from the Nuu-chah-nulth people from the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The headdresses in the Potlatch Collection represent Sea Serpents and Wolves, this right has been giving to the Kwakwaka’wakw through marriage. Dance privileges from other cultural groups are highly prized by the Kwakwaka’wakw.

Owner: T´saxt´sagisa, Moos Moos Tom, ’Namgis (Alert Bay)

Haietlik

A Haietlik or serpent mask, elaborately carved with numerous cut-out parts, colourful markings in pale blue, green and red, feather trim, hinged lower jaw.
Haietlik or serpent mask, long open-box shape, richly decorated with yellow, pale blue, black and red markings, cedar bark head cover at back.