U'mista Cultural Society

The Potlatch Gallery

Image of a darkened corner in the Potlatch Gallery with a cedar chest visible in the foreground. Corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a large cedar post and a group of wolf masks. Corner of the Potlatch Gallery showing a group of masks and headdresses from the potlatch collection View from the west end of the Potlatch Gallery showing the north side and entrance wall.

« Back to Label List

Nanis - Sea-Grizzly or ‘Walas ‘Wat´si – Dog of Heaven

Colour photograph of Nanis - Sea-Grizzly or ‘Walas ‘Wat̕si – Dog of Heaven shot against a black background

Some scholars believe that this mask is a Sea Bear and others believe that it is a Dog Mask. It is the sheep-skin fur that makes it very unusual. If it is a Dog, it would belong to one of the oldest dance societies of the Kwakwaka’wakw.

Owner: Kwaxalanukwame’, Johnny Drabble, Dzawada’enuxw (Kingcome Inlet)

Nanis or ‘Walas ‘Wat´si

A Nanis or sea dog mask with long muzzle open mouth and sharp teeth, green paint surrounding eyes, sheep skin attached at back