U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

View of north side of the Potlatch Gallery, ceremonial regalia mounted along the wall to the right of the viewer. Image shows a section of the north side of the Potlatch Gallery in which a speaker’s staff, a dzunakwa mask, four mourning masks and two copper shields are displayed. Image of a corner of the Potlatch Gallery close to the entrance View of the entrance wall at the east end of the Potlatch Gallery.

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Hayak´ant´alał - Speaker

Still photograph of HAYAK̓ANT̕ALAŁ - SPEAKER mask shot against red background

Each ‘namima or family group has a designated speaker who is knowledgeable about his family’s privileges and history. A Chief hosting a potlatch will arrange for a hayak´ant´alał to talk on his behalf in the Big House. In earlier times, a hayak´ant´alał would speak through a mask carved with an open mouth.

Owner: Yekutłikalas, Sam Charlie, Mamalilikala (Village Island)

Hayak´ant´alał

Speaker mask. Bright blue paint around eyes and bridge of nose, black paint markings on forehead, cheeks, nose and lips. Fur attached to brow and chin.
Hayakantalał or speaker mask, carved cedar, largely unpainted with black, red, white and green markings.
Hayakantalał, carved wood with holes for eyes and mouth, green patches around eyes, black markings with painted hand symbols on each cheek.