’Makwala
Moon Mask
There are two moon masks in the Potlatch Collection that are quite different in appearance, belong to different owners and are used to tell different stories. Each family has their own dance masks which they use to share their family’s history.
Owner
Hiłamas, Ned Alvin Innis, ’Namgis (Alert Bay)
Catalogue Information
Materials
Wood, Alder; Paint
Accession Number
80.01.037
Physical Description
Mask carved from one piece of alder. The eyes, nostrils and mouth are pierced. There are two holes in the top of the head and two more in the rim nearby. There is also a nail hole in the very top. The design is painted in black, red and blue (possibly derived from Reckitt's Blue), with the ground un-painted. Brown, blue, black, red.